The Venezuelan migration authority has confirmed the extradition of Alex Saab to the USA. Saab, who has close ties to Nicolás Maduro, is wanted by US justice for numerous crimes, including money laundering. This marks the second extradition of the 54-year-old businessman, who holds both Venezuelan and Colombian citizenship.
Saab was first arrested in 2020 during a stopover in Cape Verde and was subsequently handed over to the USA. He is alleged to have assisted Maduro in smuggling funds from food aid intended for Venezuela’s struggling population. The recent arrest and extradition suggest an increased collaboration between the USA and Venezuela to combat corruption.
US authorities hope to gain information from Saab that could support charges against Maduro. The former president and his wife, Cilia Flores, are facing accusations of terrorism and drug trafficking. Both deny the allegations.
In February 2023, Saab was arrested in Caracas by US and Venezuelan forces. He had previously been released from US custody as part of a prisoner exchange and was appointed by Maduro as Minister of Industry. However, following the power shift in Venezuela, Saab was dismissed from all political positions earlier this year.
