Key Takeaways

  • Bitcoin traded above $94,000 on Monday afternoon, marking a multi-week high.

  • The move followed geopolitical shockwaves after news of Maduro’s capture by the U.S.

  • Analysts say the event is not a direct bullish trigger, but it highlights crypto’s real-world use during political and economic stress.

Market Reaction

Bitcoin appears to be breaking out of its recent slump. After lagging behind the broader equity market last year, the world’s largest cryptocurrency showed renewed momentum, lifting sentiment across crypto-linked stocks. Coinbase Global (COIN) and Strategy (MSTR) each gained more than 4%, while oil-related equities also advanced on expectations that Venezuela’s energy sector could reopen to U.S. involvement.

Geopolitics and Crypto Utility

According to analysts, the rally is less about risk-on enthusiasm and more about bitcoin’s role as a decentralized hedge. Rising geopolitical pressure without open military conflict tends to support bitcoin, reinforcing its appeal during periods of global uncertainty.

Dean Chen, analyst at crypto derivatives exchange Bitunix, noted that Maduro’s removal is not a direct bullish catalyst for bitcoin. However, the economic consequences may indirectly boost demand.

Why Venezuela Matters

For an oil-dependent economy like Venezuela, disruptions to energy exports effectively choke off foreign currency inflows. Historically, tighter sanctions, SWIFT restrictions, and capital controls have driven increased real-world bitcoin adoption in affected regions.

Venezuela has already demonstrated this pattern:

  • Private companies have used crypto to manage sanctions risk.

  • Citizens have turned to digital assets as a more stable alternative to the bolívar.

  • State oil firm PDVSA reportedly expanded its use of dollar-pegged stablecoins after U.S. sanctions were reimposed in 2024.