Venezuela Deports Maduro Ally Alex Saab to US for Trial
Venezuela’s transitional government, led by Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, has deported Alex Saab, a key financial operator for ousted leader Nicolás Maduro, to the United States. Arrested in Caracas during joint US-Venezuelan operations, Saab faces renewed charges of money laundering and sanctions evasion, reversing a 2023 prisoner swap pardon. This move signifies the collapse of Maduro’s inner circle following his capture by US forces. Saab is expected to testify in Manhattan, where Maduro awaits trial on narcoterrorism charges, highlighting intensified US legal pressure on former regime corruption networks.
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Venezuela: US Charges Former Minister Saab with Money Laundering, Launches New Maduro Probe
Former Venezuelan Industry Minister Alex Saab appeared in a Miami federal court on May 20, 2026, charged with money laundering linked to misappropriated funds from the CLAP subsidized food program and illegal oil sales. Saab, previously pardoned by President Biden in 2023 as part of a prisoner swap, was deported from Caracas on May 18. US Deputy Attorney General Andrew Tysen Duva accused Saab of using shell companies and falsified documents to launder hundreds of millions of dollars. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison. Venezuelan officials, including Acting President Delcy Rodríguez and National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez, have distanced themselves from Saab, with the latter alleging Saab had ties to US agencies since 2019. The case is part of a broader US probe into the Maduro government.
VenezuelanalysisVenezuela Extradites Former Minister Alex Saab to US to Face Charges
The Venezuelan government has extradited former minister and diplomatic envoy Alex Saab to the United States to face criminal charges. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced the deportation of the Colombian citizen via the migration authority SAIME, citing his implication in various crimes in the US. Saab was transferred from the El Helicoide detention center in Caracas to Simón Bolívar International Airport, where he was taken into custody by US agents, including FBI and CIA personnel. He arrived at Opa-locka Airport in Miami under DEA escort. The indictment against Saab includes charges of criminal conspiracy, money laundering, and bribery of Venezuelan officials, alleging he falsified documents to facilitate illicit international fund transfers. This event marks a significant reversal from December 2023, when Saab was released from US custody and returned to Venezuela as part of a prisoner exchange involving a presidential pardon by Joe Biden. Following his return, Saab held key government posts until recently. The extradition follows months of rumors regarding his detention in Caracas at Washington's request.
VenezuelanalysisVenezuela Deports Maduro’s Top Financier Alex Saab to the U.S.
Venezuela has deported Alex Saab, a Colombian-Venezuelan businessman and former key financier for Nicolás Maduro, to the United States. The deportation was confirmed by Venezuela’s migration agency, SAIME, on May 16, 2026, framing the transfer as a deportation rather than extradition to bypass legal restrictions on sending nationals abroad. Saab arrived in Miami via a Gulfstream jet under DEA escort. This move was authorized by acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez, who succeeded Maduro after his capture in January 2026. Saab is expected to face federal charges in Miami related to bribery, money laundering, and corruption involving the CLAP food-import program. Furthermore, he may serve as a crucial witness in the ongoing narcoterrorism trial against Maduro and Cilia Flores in New York. The event signals a significant shift in Venezuela’s political landscape, indicating Rodríguez’s attempt to reset relations with Washington by dismantling remnants of Maduro’s inner circle. Saab had previously been released by the U.S. in 2023 in a prisoner swap but has now been returned to face justice.
The Rio TimesVenezuela's Alex Saab Extradited to US by Interim Leader Delcy Rodríguez
Alex Saab, Venezuela's most powerful businessman and a key ally of former leader Nicolás Maduro, has been extradited to the United States by Venezuela's new interim president, Delcy Rodríguez. This move marks a significant escalation in Rodríguez's political purge following her rise to power after Maduro's removal by US special forces. US prosecutors allege that Saab served as Maduro's financial operator, facilitating money laundering from corruption and cocaine trafficking, as well as rigging contracts to embezzle funds intended for famine relief. Saab, who also helped circumvent international sanctions by importing low-quality food from Iran and Turkey, was detained in Venezuela after allegedly campaigning against Rodríguez. He had previously been arrested in 2020 and released in a 2023 prisoner exchange. His extradition is viewed as a decisive step in the legal prosecution of the deposed Maduro regime, with potential implications for broader accountability regarding Venezuela's economic collapse and human rights abuses.
DN.se - Dagens NyheterDEA Transfers Alex Saab, Key Maduro Ally, to Miami for Corruption Charges
Alex Saab, a prominent figurehead and former minister for Nicolás Maduro’s government in Venezuela, was transferred by the DEA to Miami on Saturday to face charges of money laundering and corruption. This development follows significant political shifts in Venezuela, including the capture of Maduro in January 2026 and the subsequent rise of Delcy Rodríguez and Jorge Rodríguez to power. The new leadership has distanced itself from Saab, deleting previous praises and facilitating his handover to US authorities. Saab, who previously served as a key operator for evading US sanctions, was detained by Venezuelan intelligence and the FBI before being deported. The Venezuelan government cited his involvement in crimes within the United States as the basis for the deportation. Saab now faces a judicial battle in the US without his usual legal team, including Baltasar Garzón. A critical aspect of the upcoming proceedings is whether Saab will cooperate as a witness in the ongoing case against Maduro in New York. This transfer marks a significant escalation in US efforts to hold Venezuelan officials accountable for alleged illicit financial activities.
Portada // elmundoVenezuela Extradites Maduro Ally Alex Saab to the United States
Venezuelan authorities deported Colombian businessman Alex Saab, a close ally of former dictator Nicolás Maduro, to the United States on May 16, 2026. The Administrative Service for Identification, Migration and Foreigners (Saime) confirmed the action, citing Saab's involvement in widely publicized crimes in the US. Saab, who served as Maduro's Minister of Industry, is accused by US prosecutors of laundering up to $350 million through Venezuela's exchange control system. He was detained in Caracas in February during a joint operation involving the FBI and Venezuelan intelligence services. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has previously described Saab as Maduro's 'money man,' highlighting his central role in the regime's financial operations and food distribution programs. This extradition follows significant political shifts in Venezuela, including the arrest of Maduro and his wife in January 2026 during a US military operation. The current interim leadership, headed by Delcy Rodríguez, has facilitated this transfer while navigating complex diplomatic relations with the administration of US President Donald Trump.
Folha de S.Paulo - Em cima da hora - PrincipalMaduro Ally Alex Saab Arrested and Deported in Joint US-Venezuela Operation
Alex Saab, a Colombian businessman and close ally of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, was reportedly arrested in February and deported following a joint operation between US and Venezuelan authorities. This development occurs less than three years after Saab was pardoned and released by former US President Joe Biden in a controversial 2023 prisoner swap. The arrest signifies increased cooperation between US officials and Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez, who stripped Saab of his cabinet position after Maduro’s capture in a January US military raid. Saab, often described as Maduro’s “bag man,” faces potential return to US custody where he could serve as a key witness against Maduro, who is currently awaiting trial on drug charges in Manhattan. Although the 2023 pardon covered a specific 2019 indictment, Saab remains under federal investigation for alleged bribery conspiracies related to Venezuelan food import contracts. Venezuelan immigration authorities confirmed the deportation of a Colombian citizen linked to US criminal investigations, strategically avoiding explicit confirmation of the destination to navigate laws prohibiting the extradition of nationals.
New York PostMaduro Confidant Alex Saab Extradited to US Amidst Regime Change in Venezuela
The government of Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, has extradited Alex Saab, a close confidant of ousted former President Nicolás Maduro, to the United States. Saab, a Colombian businessman and former minister, faces accusations of numerous crimes, including money laundering. This extradition marks a second encounter with US justice for Saab, who was previously arrested in Cape Verde in 2020 and extradited in 2021, only to be released in 2023 in a prisoner swap for Americans held in Venezuela. US investigators hope Saab will provide explosive revelations about illegal transactions involving Maduro and other high-ranking officials, potentially aiding the trial against Maduro, who is currently facing charges for drug trafficking in New York. The article notes that the US military invaded Venezuela earlier this year, capturing Maduro and leading to Rodríguez assuming power. Since taking office, Rodríguez's administration has shown significant cooperation with Washington, facilitating this latest legal transfer. The event highlights the shifting geopolitical dynamics and legal pressures surrounding the former Venezuelan leadership.
Nachrichten - WELTVenezuela Extradites Maduro Ally Alex Saab to US Amid Regime Change
Venezuelan authorities have extradited Alex Saab, a Colombian businessman and former minister closely allied with former President Nicolás Maduro, to the United States. This development follows the recent arrest of Saab in Caracas during a joint operation with US officials. The extradition occurs in a significantly altered political landscape, where Maduro and his wife were previously captured by US special forces and transported to New York for trial on drug trafficking charges. Following Maduro's removal, Delcy Rodríguez assumed power as acting head of state and has since demonstrated strong cooperation with Washington on law enforcement matters. Saab, who had been previously pardoned by the Biden administration in 2023 as part of a prisoner swap, faces renewed investigations for money laundering, corruption, and sanctions evasion. US investigators believe Saab holds critical information regarding the illegal financial activities of Maduro’s inner circle. His prior detention in Cape Verde in 2020 and subsequent legal battles highlight the long-standing US focus on dismantling the financial networks supporting the former Venezuelan leadership.
444Venezuela Extradites Maduro Ally Alex Saab to the USA
Venezuelan businessman and close ally of former President Nicolas Maduro, Alex Saab, has been extradited to the United States. The Venezuelan immigration authority SAIME confirmed the extradition, following Saab's arrest in Caracas in February during a joint operation involving U.S. and Venezuelan authorities. This development marks a significant increase in law enforcement cooperation under Venezuela's incumbent President Delcy Rodriguez. Insiders suggest that Saab may provide critical testimony to support U.S. charges against Maduro, who currently faces allegations of terrorism and drug trafficking in New York alongside his wife, Cilia Flores. Both Maduro and Flores reject these charges. For Saab, this extradition represents a return to U.S. custody; he was previously arrested in Cape Verde in 2020 and extradited to the U.S. for money laundering investigations before being released in a prisoner swap in 2023. The current move indicates a shifting diplomatic landscape and intensified legal pressure on the former Venezuelan leadership by U.S. authorities.
DiePresse.com - HomeVenezuela Extradites Maduro Ally Alex Saab to the US
Venezuelan businessman Alex Saab, a close ally of former President Nicolas Maduro, has been extradited to the United States. The extradition was confirmed on Saturday by Saime, the Venezuelan immigration authority. Saab was initially arrested in Caracas in February following a coordinated operation involving both US and Venezuelan authorities. He had previously faced charges in the US for money laundering. According to reports, Saab was released in the past in exchange for certain considerations, but his current extradition marks a significant development. Analysts suggest that Saab could now provide crucial information implicating Maduro and his inner circle in illicit activities. This event highlights ongoing legal and diplomatic tensions between Venezuela and the United States regarding corruption and financial crimes linked to the former Venezuelan leadership. The extradition underscores the US Department of Justice's continued efforts to hold accountable those accused of undermining democratic institutions and engaging in large-scale financial fraud within Venezuela.
derStandard.at | Nachrichten, Kommentare & CommunityVenezuela Deports Alex Saab, Key Maduro Ally, to the United States
Venezuelan authorities have deported Alex Saab, a close ally of former President Nicolas Maduro, to the United States. The 54-year-old Colombian citizen was expelled on May 16, with migration officials citing his involvement in crimes widely reported in the U.S. media. Saab rose to prominence during Hugo Chavez's presidency and later managed a vast import network for Maduro, including the controversial CLAP food subsidy program. Although Venezuela's Constitution prohibits extradition, authorities classified Saab as Colombian to justify his expulsion. Saab had previously been arrested in Cape Verde in 2020 and extradited to the U.S. in 2021 on charges of money laundering and embezzlement. He was released in December 2023 in a prisoner swap for ten Americans detained in Venezuela, after which he was appointed minister. However, following Maduro's capture by the U.S. Army in January 2026, interim leader Delcy Rodriguez removed Saab from his post. This deportation occurs amidst significant political shifts in Caracas, including pressure from Washington to release political prisoners and reform the oil sector.
Le Monde.fr - Actualités et Infos en France et dans le mondeVenezuela Deports Maduro Ally Alex Saab to US Amid Criminal Investigations
The Venezuelan government has deported Alex Saab, a close ally of former President Nicolás Maduro, to the United States to face criminal investigations. This move marks a significant reversal for Saab, whom Maduro previously fought to repatriate after his 2020 arrest. Saab, often described by US officials as Maduro's financier, was pardoned by President Biden in 2023 as part of a prisoner swap but now faces potential testimony against Maduro, who is awaiting trial on drug charges. The deportation follows Saab's fall from grace under Venezuela's new leadership led by Delcy Rodríguez, who removed him from his cabinet position. The decision highlights deepening divisions within Venezuela's ruling coalition as Rodríguez aligns more closely with US demands to lift sanctions and open oil industries to American investment. Saab is implicated in bribery conspiracies related to food import contracts and housing projects. His return to US custody could provide critical evidence against Maduro and other high-ranking Venezuelan officials facing indictment.
NDTV News Search Records Found 1000Venezuela Extradites Maduro Confidant Alex Saab to the United States
Venezuela has extradited Alex Saab, a prominent businessman and close confidant of former President Nicolás Maduro, to the United States to face money laundering charges. The Venezuelan Ministry of Justice's migration authority confirmed the transfer, marking the second time Saab has been sent to the US. Previously arrested in 2020, Saab was released in a 2023 prisoner exchange and appointed Minister of Industry by Maduro in 2024. However, following a forced change of power in Venezuela involving US military intervention, Saab was removed from office and arrested in Caracas in February 2026. This extradition highlights a new level of judicial cooperation between the US and the current Venezuelan administration led by President Delcy Rodríguez. US authorities hope Saab will provide critical testimony to support ongoing indictments against Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who are currently detained in New York on charges of terrorism and drug trafficking. Saab, holding dual Colombian and Venezuelan citizenship, is accused of diverting hundreds of millions of dollars from food aid programs intended for the Venezuelan people.
DIE ZEIT | Nachrichten, News, Hintergründe und DebattenVenezuela Deports Maduro Ally Alex Saab to US Amid Political Shift
The Venezuelan government has deported Alex Saab, a close ally of former President Nicolas Maduro, to the United States. The deportation was authorized by the current administration under Interim President Rodriguez, who took power following Maduro's ouster and capture by US forces in January 2026. Although Venezuela's constitution prohibits the extradition of nationals, authorities classified Saab as a Colombian citizen to facilitate his transfer. Saab, a former Industry Minister, was previously accused of money laundering and corruption involving $350 million through Venezuela's CLAP food aid program. He had been released from US custody in December 2023 as part of a prisoner swap and subsequently appointed to Maduro's cabinet. However, he recently fell out of favor with the new leadership, resulting in his dismissal and that of his wife. This move highlights the political realignment in Caracas and may deepen divisions within Rodriguez's fragile ruling coalition. The US had previously charged Saab with conspiracy to commit money laundering, carrying a potential 20-year sentence, before his temporary release.
Deutsche WelleVenezuela Deports Maduro Ally Alex Saab to Face U.S. Criminal Charges
Venezuela has deported Alex Saab, a close former ally of ousted President Nicolas Maduro, to the United States to face criminal proceedings. This move represents a significant shift for Saab, whom Maduro previously defended vigorously following his 2020 arrest. Saab, often described by U.S. officials as Maduro's "bag man," was pardoned by President Joe Biden in a prisoner swap less than three years ago. Now, he may testify against Maduro, who is awaiting trial on drug charges in Manhattan after being captured by U.S. forces in January. The Venezuelan immigration authority cited ongoing U.S. investigations as the basis for the deportation, referring to Saab as a Colombian citizen to bypass laws prohibiting the extradition of nationals. Saab fell out of favor with Venezuela's new leadership under Acting President Delcy Rodriguez, who has sought to improve relations with Washington. U.S. prosecutors are investigating Saab's alleged role in a bribery conspiracy involving food import contracts under the CLAP program. His removal is expected to deepen divisions within Venezuela's ruling Chavista coalition.
News Today: Breaking News, Top Headlines & Live Updates | The HinduVenezuela Extradites Maduro Confidant Alex Saab to the USA
The government of Venezuela, now led by acting president Delcy Rodríguez following the US military invasion and capture of former leader Nicolás Maduro, has extradited Alex Saab to the United States. Saab, a Colombian businessman and former minister under Maduro, is considered a close confidant of the ousted leader. He was previously arrested in Cape Verde in 2020 and extradited to the US on money laundering charges, only to be released in a 2023 prisoner exchange for Americans held in Venezuela. US investigators anticipate that Saab will provide critical testimony regarding illegal transactions involving Maduro and other high-ranking Venezuelan officials. This development supports the ongoing legal proceedings against Maduro, who is facing trial in New York for alleged involvement in drug trafficking. The extradition marks a significant shift in cooperation between Caracas and Washington, as the new Venezuelan administration seeks to align with the US judiciary. This event underscores the deepening legal and political consequences for the former Maduro regime following the recent military intervention.
Topthemen - SZ.deVenezuela Deports Maduro Associate Alex Saab to USA
The interim government of Venezuela, led by Delcy Rodriguez, has confirmed the deportation of Alex Saab Morán, a Colombian citizen and close associate of former leader Nicolas Maduro, to the United States. The deportation occurred on Saturday, May 16, as announced by the Venezuelan Administrative Service for Identification, Migration and Immigration (Saime). Officials stated the measure was taken because Saab is implicated in various crimes in the US, including money laundering and bribery related to the CLAP food program. Saab had previously been extradited to the US in 2021 but was pardoned by President Joe Biden in December 2023 as part of a prisoner exchange. Upon returning to Caracas, he served in Maduro's government until Maduro's alleged capture by US special forces in January 2026. Following this political shift, Rodriguez removed Saab from his post as Minister of Industry and National Production before his eventual deportation to face trial in the United States.
Havana TimesVenezuela Extradites Maduro Confidant Alex Saab to USA
The Venezuelan government, led by acting President Delcy Rodríguez, has extradited Alex Saab, a close confidant of ousted leader Nicolás Maduro, to the United States. Saab, a Colombian businessman and former minister, faces accusations of serious crimes, including money laundering involving hundreds of millions of dollars. This marks his second extradition to the US; he was previously arrested in Cape Verde in 2020 and extradited in 2021, only to be released in 2023 in a prisoner swap for Americans held in Venezuela. US investigators reportedly seek Saab's testimony regarding illegal transactions by Maduro and other high-ranking officials, potentially aiding the trial against Maduro, who was captured following a US military invasion earlier in the year. Maduro is scheduled to face trial in New York for alleged drug trafficking. Since assuming power in Caracas, Rodríguez has demonstrated significant cooperation with Washington, marking a shift in diplomatic relations between the two nations.
DIE ZEIT | Nachrichten, News, Hintergründe und DebattenVenezuela Deports Alex Saab, Accused Maduro Ally, to the US
Venezuela has deported Colombian businessman Alex Saab to the United States, where he faces charges of money laundering and corruption. Saab, long accused of serving as a front man for former President Nicolás Maduro, was previously imprisoned in the US after his 2020 arrest in Cape Verde. He was released in 2023 as part of a prisoner swap agreement involving ten Americans held in Venezuela and subsequently appointed as Venezuela's Minister of Industry in 2024. Following the overthrow of Maduro in January 2026 by a US operation, interim President Delcy Rodríguez removed Saab from his post in February. The Venezuelan Immigration Service stated the deportation was based on Saab's involvement in crimes in the US, describing the act as a deportation rather than extradition, which is constitutionally prohibited in Venezuela. Saab played a significant role in Maduro's government, managing import networks and the CLAP food distribution program, while maintaining ties with Iran. His return to US custody marks a significant development in ongoing legal and political tensions between Caracas and Washington.
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