Venezuela deports Maduro ally Alex Saab to US
Venezuela’s government has confirmed the deportation of former Industry Minister Alex Saab to the United States, where he faces allegations tied to corruption and money laundering. Saab is widely known as a close ally of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
According to Venezuela’s immigration authority, the decision was made because Saab, identified as a Colombian citizen, is allegedly linked to multiple crimes under investigation in the United States. Officials described the move as a “deportation” rather than an extradition, since Venezuela’s constitution prohibits the extradition of Venezuelan nationals.
Who Is Alex Saab?
Born in Colombia, Saab became one of Maduro’s most trusted business associates and played a major role in managing international trade and import operations for the Venezuelan government. Over the years, he reportedly built a massive fortune through state contracts and overseas business deals.
US authorities have accused Saab of acting as a financial operator for Maduro’s administration, helping move and hide funds through international networks. In return, he was granted Venezuelan citizenship and diplomatic status by the Maduro government.
Money Laundering and Corruption Allegations
Saab was first arrested in Cape Verde in 2020 on allegations related to corruption and money laundering before being extradited to the United States in 2021. Prosecutors accused him and business associate Alvaro Pulido of operating a scheme connected to Venezuela’s CLAP food aid program.
US investigators alleged that the pair laundered hundreds of millions of dollars through inflated contracts linked to subsidized food imports. While several charges were later dropped, Saab continued facing accusations of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carried a potential 20-year prison sentence.
In December 2023, Saab was released from US custody as part of a prisoner exchange agreement between Washington and Caracas. After returning to Venezuela, he was appointed to Maduro’s Cabinet.
Political Fallout After Maduro’s Removal
Saab reportedly lost political influence following the collapse of Maduro’s administration earlier this year. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez, who previously served as Maduro’s vice president, removed Saab from government positions and dismissed several officials linked to him.
His wife, Camilla Fabri, was also removed from her government role months earlier. Political analysts believe Saab’s transfer to the United States could increase tensions within Venezuela’s fragile ruling coalition.
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