
Colombian-Venezuelan businessman Alex Saab, regarded for years as the main financial frontman of former president Nicolás Maduro, appeared on Monday before a federal court in Miami, where he was formally charged with one count of money laundering linked to a bribery scheme used to enrich himself through contracts of Venezuela's state food import program. The hearing took place two days after acting President Delcy Rodríguez handed him over to the United States in what the Venezuelan government described as a deportation but which, in legal terms, amounts to an extradition.

The Venezuelan government on Saturday deported to the United States the Colombian businessman Alex Saab, considered for years the main financial operator of former president Nicolás Maduro and minister of Industry and National Production until January 2026. The businessman landed at sunset at Opa-locka airport in Miami-Dade County, escorted by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), bringing to a close a judicial file that had turned Saab into one of the most visible symbols of the economic apparatus of Chavismo and into one of the most wanted figures by US justice over the past decade.

Colombian-Venezuelan businessman Alex Saab — long portrayed by U.S. authorities as a key financial operator for Chavismo and a former Venezuelan industry minister — was detained in Caracas early Wednesday in what Colombian media described as a joint operation involving Venezuela’s intelligence service (SEBIN) and the FBI. Venezuela’s government had not issued an official confirmation by the time of publication.

Colombian businessman Alex Saab, who is said to be a frontman for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, was released from jail Wednesday by the United States in exchange for several Americans detained by Caracas together with other political prisoners.

The Venezuelan government walked out of negotiations with the opposition following on the extradition of Colombian businessman Alex Saab from Cape Verde to the United States where he faces trial on money laundering and corruption.

Venezuela has announced that it will incorporate the government delegation in negotiations with the political opposition in Mexico, Alex Saab, a close ally jailed in Cape Verde, Africa who is to be extradited to the United States on corruption and money laundering charges.

The Constitutional Tribunal from Cape Verde ruled this week that Colombian businessman Alex Saab considered a front man for Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro can be extradited to the United States, where he faces charges of corruption and money laundering.

Venezuela's opposition on Sunday said it will investigate alleged wrongdoing within its ranks after a media outlet reported that a group of opposition lawmakers had unduly advocated for a businessman linked to the government of President Nicolas Maduro.