Venezuela Extradites Alex Saab to US in CIA-Backed Operation

Venezuela’s interim government has handed over Alex Saab, once a close ally of Nicolás Maduro, to US authorities. Saab faces charges in Florida including money laundering, corruption and evading sanctions. The extradition followed his February arrest by Venezuela’s migration agency. He had been freed by the US in a prisoner swap for Americans jailed in Venezuela and received a limited pardon from President Biden in 2023. US agencies – including the State Department, Justice Department, CIA and FBI – coordinated the move. Venezuelan authorities justified it under alleged crimes Saab committed on American soil, despite his Venezuelan and Colombian citizenship. Saab could now provide testimony against Maduro’s inner circle. Federal prosecutors say he played a key role in a bribery scheme tied to Venezuela’s CLAP food program. His attorney has declined comment and the US Justice Department has not yet responded to requests.

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