Venezuelan Official Alex Saab Arrested in Joint U.S.-Venezuela Operation
Alex Saab, a well-known Venezuelan official and former businessman closely linked to Nicolas Maduro, was arrested on Wednesday in Venezuela, according to U.S. law enforcement officials. This action was part of a collaborative effort between the United States and Venezuelan authorities.
At 54 years old, Saab, who has faced prior detention in the U.S., is expected to be extradited to the United States soon, as confirmed by a U.S. official to Reuters.
Saab’s attorney, Luigi Giuliano, was quoted in El Espectador, a Colombian newspaper, denying claims that the arrest was a fabrication. Meanwhile, journalists associated with the Venezuelan government took to social media to contest the news of Saab’s detention.
Giuliano informed Venezuelan news site Tarcual that Saab might make an appearance to dispute the arrest claims, although he is currently consulting with authorities regarding the situation.
Recent Developments Following Maduro’s Capture
Jorge Rodríguez, Venezuela’s leading lawmaker, refrained from confirming or denying the recent reports during a press conference, stating he had no details on any possible arrests.
This event comes after a U.S. operation aimed at undermining Maduro’s government, which also involved the seizing of an oil tanker linked to the country.
Saab’s arrest could demonstrate an increased level of collaboration between U.S. and Venezuelan authorities under interim President Delcy Rodríguez, who previously served as Maduro’s deputy and now oversees law enforcement in the nation.
Continued Cooperation Emphasized
U.S. officials have highlighted the significance of Rodríguez’s cooperation for ongoing joint operations. Additionally, Raul Gorin, the head of Venezuela’s Globovision television network, has also been apprehended as a part of this operation.
Originally from Colombia, Saab faced charges of bribery while imprisoned in Cape Verde in 2020, spending over three years in U.S. custody. He ultimately received a pardon after an agreement that saw the release of several Americans held in Venezuela.
Before he was pardoned, U.S. authorities accused Saab of illegally transferring around $350 million from Venezuela through the U.S. as part of a bribery scheme involving Venezuela’s state exchange rate.
Controversies Surrounding Saab
Saab has consistently denied any wrongdoing and sought to dismiss the charges, claiming diplomatic immunity. At the time of the prisoner swap, Saab’s appeal remained under review by the Court of Appeals.
When he returned to Venezuela in late 2023, Maduro lauded Saab’s dedication to the socialist revolution and referred to him as a national hero. Following Saab’s recent arrest, he was removed from his position as the industry minister by Rodríguez.
