Alex Saab Arrested in Rare Joint U.S.-Venezuela Operation, Faces Extradition
CARACAS, Venezuela — Alex Saab, a businessman and longtime ally of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, was reportedly arrested in Venezuela on Wednesday as part of an unprecedented joint operation between U.S. and Venezuelan authorities, according to a senior U.S. law enforcement official. Saab, 54, who had previously been detained in the United States on bribery charges, is expected to be extradited back to the U.S. in the coming days, the official told Reuters.
Saab’s arrest marks a rare instance of cooperation between the two countries, which have long been at odds over Venezuela’s political crisis. The operation was carried out despite the tense diplomatic relationship, highlighting a possible shift in enforcement priorities. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has been involved in investigations related to Saab’s alleged corruption and money laundering activities.
However, the news was met with immediate denials from Saab’s legal team and Venezuelan government-aligned media. Luigi Giuliano, Saab’s attorney, dismissed the reports as “fake news” in an interview with the Colombian newspaper El Espectador, and Venezuelan journalists sympathetic to Maduro echoed the denial on social media platforms. Giuliano later told Venezuelan news outlet TalCual that Saab might make a public statement to clarify the situation but was currently consulting with government officials.
Saab’s detention in Venezuela contrasts with his prior arrest in the United States, where he faced charges related to bribery and corruption linked to government contracts in Venezuela. His extradition has been a contentious issue, with Saab’s defense arguing against his transfer to the U.S. amid concerns over his legal rights and political motivations.
This development comes in the wake of recent political shifts in Venezuela, including the capture of Maduro and the government takeover, which have altered the landscape of U.S.-Venezuelan relations. The U.S. Department of State has maintained sanctions on Maduro’s inner circle, including Saab, citing corruption and human rights abuses.
Experts note that the joint operation could signal a new chapter in bilateral cooperation on law enforcement matters, especially targeting corruption and illicit financial networks. The U.S. Department of Justice has previously pursued cases against Venezuelan officials accused of undermining democratic institutions and engaging in criminal conduct.
As Saab’s legal status unfolds, international observers will be closely watching for further developments, including any formal extradition proceedings and the Venezuelan government’s stance on cooperation with U.S. authorities. The situation remains fluid, with conflicting narratives complicating the public understanding of Saab’s current whereabouts and legal fate.
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