OREANDA-NEWS. The Central Bank of Venezuela has filed a lawsuit against the Bank of England, demanding the return of gold bars worth more than 1 billion US dollars.

This was reported by Reuters news agency, citing court documents. A lawsuit filed in a Commercial Court in London on May 14 states that Venezuelan authorities intend to send the proceeds received to the funds of the UN development programme, which will help the country in the fight against the spread of the coronavirus infection. The documents indicate that the proceeds from the sale of bullions should go to the purchase of medical equipment, medicines and food for the residents of Venezuela.

“The foot-dragging by the Bank of England is critically hampering Venezuela and the UN’s efforts to combat COVID-19 in the country,” London lawyer Sarosh Zaiwalla, representing the interests of the Central Bank of Venezuela, said.