Maduro Ally Deported to the US

Venezuelan official Alex Saab, a Colombian-Venezuelan businessman and close ally of former President Nicolas Maduro, has been deported to the United States after being arrested in Caracas in February during a joint operation by US and Venezuelan authorities.

Venezuela's migration agency Saime announced the deportation on Saturday. A US law enforcement official confirmed the circumstances of the arrest at the time.

Saab, 54, was previously detained in Cape Verde and charged with bribery. In 2023 he was granted a pardon in exchange for the release of Americans detained in Venezuela. According to sources familiar with the matter, Saab could provide US authorities with information that would strengthen their case against Maduro.

Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were transferred to New York in January, where they face criminal charges including conspiracy to commit narcoterrorism. Both deny the charges.

(Reuters)