Diddy, Mangione, and now Maduro: Inside the world’s most notorious 'VIP' jail

The Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn has long been known as one of the most “squalid” and “notorious” federal jails in the United States. Following the dramatic pre-dawn raid by US forces under “Operation Absolute Resolve,” Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is the latest high-profile addition to its roster.

But who else is behind those steel doors? Here are the most famous—and infamous—inmates currently or recently sharing a zip code with the fallen leader.

1. Sean “Diddy” Combs

The music mogul has been the prison’s most famous resident for months. While awaiting trial on sex trafficking and racketeering charges, Diddy has reportedly struggled with the facility’s harsh conditions. Rumours have even circulated of a “popularity contest” between him and other high-profile inmates.

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2. Luigi Mangione

The man accused of the brazen assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was recently transferred to the MDC. Unlike many other inmates, Mangione has reportedly gained a “folk hero” status among some of the prison population, with reports suggesting his arrival even sparked a bit of jealousy from Diddy due to the attention he received.

3. Cilia Flores (First Lady of Venezuela)

Maduro isn’t alone in his legal battle. His wife, Cilia Flores, was captured alongside him and faces her own set of narco-terrorism and drug trafficking charges. She is being held in the same federal system as the US government targets the “Cartel de los Soles” hierarchy.

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4. Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF)

The disgraced FTX founder spent a significant amount of time at the MDC before his sentencing. The prison became famous for his complaints about the lack of vegan options (reportedly surviving on peanut butter) and the lack of consistent internet access to review his legal discovery.

5. The Ghost of “El Chapo”

While Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán is now serving life at ADX Florence, he spent his pre-trial days in the New York federal system (at the now-closed MCC and the MDC). His presence set the precedent for the extreme “Special Housing Unit” (SHU) protocols that Maduro is likely experiencing now.

6. Viktor Bout (The “Merchant of Death”)

Before he was traded for WNBA star Brittney Griner, the notorious Russian arms dealer was a long-term resident of the Brooklyn facility. His stay highlighted the jail’s role as a holding pen for international defendants considered threats to national security.

7. Inmates from “Tren de Aragua”

In a twist of irony, the MDC also houses members of Tren de Aragua, the violent Venezuelan gang that expanded globally under Maduro’s rule. Prosecutors now allege that Maduro’s government worked in tandem with these criminal organizations, meaning he is now locked up in the same system as the foot soldiers of the chaos he is accused of fostering.

Why is the MDC so feared?

The Metropolitan Detention Center has come under frequent criticism from judges and lawyers for what they describe as “inhumane” conditions. Inmates are often confined to their cells for 24 hours a day, while environmental issues like mold, poor sanitation, and lack of heat in winter persist. As a high-security remand centre, it offers limited sunlight and movement, further restricting daily life. These conditions not only affect prisoners’ mental and physical health but also raise ongoing legal and human rights concerns.