Venezuela Deports Maduro Ally to Face U.S. Justice

In a dramatic reversal, Venezuela has deported Alex Saab — a Colombian-born businessman and close Maduro confidant — to face criminal proceedings in the United States.

Saab had previously been freed in 2023 when President Biden pardoned him as part of a prisoner exchange. That deal drew bipartisan criticism, with Senator Chuck Grassley calling Saab “a predator of vulnerable people.” Now, less than three years later, Venezuela’s own government has sent him back.

Federal prosecutors have been investigating Saab’s alleged role in a bribery scheme tied to Venezuela’s CLAP food program, which was set up to supply staples to poor Venezuelans but allegedly became a vehicle for corruption. He is identified as “Co-Conspirator 1” in an existing indictment against his business partner.

Saab’s most significant potential role may be as a witness against Maduro himself, who awaits trial in Manhattan on drug trafficking charges.