Frequently asked questions
Who is Matthew John Heath?
Matthew John Heath is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and security consultant who advises companies, family offices, and internationally exposed principals on political risk, crisis response, and detention risk in Latin America. He served in the Marine Corps from 1999 to 2003 in communications and signals intelligence and was decorated for actions in the Battle of Nasiriyah. From 2020 to 2022 he was wrongfully detained by Venezuela; he was released in a prisoner exchange announced by President Biden on October 1, 2022.
Is Matthew John Heath the U.S. Marine who was detained in Venezuela?
Yes. He was arrested at a Venezuelan checkpoint on September 9, 2020 and held for 752 days on charges the U.S. State Department called specious. He was one of seven Americans released on October 1, 2022 in a prisoner exchange between the United States and Venezuela. A full public-record timeline is here.
What did the U.S. government say about his detention?
The State Department described the charges as specious and repeatedly called for his release. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Senators Bill Hagerty and Ted Cruz publicly advocated for him, and President Biden issued a White House statement naming him on the day of his release.
What does Matthew John Heath do now?
He runs a Latin America risk advisory practice serving companies, family offices, NGOs, and internationally exposed principals, and continues to advocate for Americans unjustly detained abroad, including through work with the nonprofit Hostage US. He also provides media commentary on Venezuela, wrongful detention, hostage diplomacy, and Latin American security.
What services does he provide?
Four core services: strategic risk assessment for organizations operating in or entering Latin America; detention and travel-risk advisory for executives, employees, and families; crisis response and preparedness; and retained advisory for organizations with sustained regional exposure.
How do engagements typically begin?
Most begin with a scoped diagnostic conversation, and engagements are typically structured as advisory retainers, fixed-fee assessments, executive briefings, or crisis-response support. All inquiries are held in strict confidence — start with the consulting inquiry form.
Is he available for media interviews or speaking?
Yes — for commentary on Venezuela, wrongful detention and hostage diplomacy, and Latin American security. Media inquiries go by email with outlet, topic, and deadline — deadline requests are prioritized. A press kit with an approved short bio and print-quality headshot is on the main page.
How can I contact him?
Consulting inquiries go through the inquiry form; media and other inquiries by email.
Is he the same person as Matt Heath, the New Zealand broadcaster?
No — they are different people. Matt Heath of New Zealand is a broadcaster, musician, and writer. Matthew John Heath is the American U.S. Marine Corps veteran who was wrongfully detained in Venezuela from 2020 to 2022 and now works as a Latin America risk advisor.