Key facts
- Alex Saab pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy in a US court.
- Saab agreed to forfeit $195 million.
- Saab faces up to 20 years in prison.
- Saab is an ally of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
- Prosecutors allege Saab stole millions from a Venezuelan welfare plan.
- Maduro faces drug trafficking charges, with his trial scheduled for June 1, 2027.
Alex Saab, a former Venezuelan official and aide to ex-President Nicolas Maduro, has pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy charges in the US. As part of the plea deal, Saab, 54, agreed to forfeit $195 million and cooperate fully with US prosecutors. He faces up to 20 years in prison. The case has been closely watched as Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are set to face trial next year on drug and weapon charges, which they deny. Saab was extradited to the US in May by Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez. Prosecutors allege Saab embezzled money from a welfare plan for hungry Venezuelans and transferred some proceeds to US bank accounts. This is the second US criminal case against Saab; in 2020, he was extradited to face money laundering charges for allegedly siphoning $350 million from Venezuela, but was granted clemency by former US President Joe Biden in 2023 as part of a prisoner swap. FBI Director Kash Patel stated that "Criminals like Alex Saab who stole from the people of Venezuela and worked to exploit and misuse American financial institutions to fund illicit activities will be held accountable by this FBI."