Maduro ally pleads guilty in US money laundering case

Former Venezuelan official and Nicolás Maduro ally Alex Saab has pleaded guilty to money laundering charges in a US court, agreeing to forfeit $195 million and cooperate with federal prosecutors.

Saab, 54, entered the plea in Miami, Florida, after previously saying he would contest the allegations. Under the agreement, he could face a prison sentence of up to 20 years.

US prosecutors accused Saab of diverting funds from a Venezuelan welfare programme intended to provide food to people facing shortages. Authorities alleged that some of the money was subsequently transferred through US financial institutions.

The case has attracted renewed attention because Maduro and his wife, former First Lady Cilia Flores, are due to face trial in New York on weapons and drug-related charges. Both have denied the allegations.

Saab’s agreement does not specifically state that he will testify against Maduro. However, the deal requires him to cooperate fully with US prosecutors and prohibits him from shielding individuals by providing false information or withholding relevant details.

Saab was extradited to the United States in May after being transferred by Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodriguez. He had previously been arrested and extradited in 2020 to face allegations that he laundered around $350 million allegedly taken from Venezuela.

The earlier case ended after former US President Joe Biden granted Saab clemency in 2023 as part of a prisoner exchange.

FBI Director Kash Patel said Saab’s case demonstrated that people accused of exploiting Venezuelan citizens and US financial institutions could face prosecution in the United States.

Venezuela has experienced prolonged economic and political turmoil, including severe shortages of essential food and medicines. Saab’s latest guilty plea could now become significant as US authorities continue pursuing cases linked to senior Venezuelan officials.