An anti-Sandinista news website in exile claims that JDN is facing a hefty fine of €15 million, which could lead to the company being nationalized.

“Recent reports regarding the status of Joya de Nicaragua are based on outdated and inaccurate information,” the Nicaraguan manufacturer wrote in a statement posted Tuesday, May 20, on its social media channels.

“We wish to clarify that Joya de Nicaragua S.A. remains fully operational—continuing to manufacture world-class cigars and serve our clients across the globe,” the statement continued.

Without specifically quoting it, Joya de Nicaragua (JDN) refers to an article published three days earlier by an anti-Sandinista news website. The website called Articulo 66 claims that the Nicaraguan courts have fined JDN $15 million for various customs violations. If it fails to pay, JDN would face total or partial seizure of its assets, in other words, de facto nationalization.

Run by opponents of the Sandinista regime of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, the website takes a highly political view of the dispute, noting that Alejandro Martinez Cuenca, who revived JDN after the Nicaraguan civil war, is a former political rival of Daniel Ortega for the leadership of the Sandinista movement.

“Thank you to all of you who expressed your concern— albeit unnecessary” the statement concludes. “We invite you to relax, light your favorite Joya, and enjoy! On our side, we will remain focused on making quality cigars, caring for our growing community, and proudly representing Nicaragua around the world.”

The statement, which concludes with the words “Peace / From the heart of Estelí / May 20, 2025,” makes no direct reference to any judicial or administrative proceedings, nor does it specify whether a fine has been imposed and/or paid by the company.