Alex Saab pleads not guilty to US money laundering charges
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IN SHORT
Colombian businessman Alex Saab, an ally of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, pleaded not guilty to U.S. money laundering charges in Miami federal court. Venezuela deported Saab to face the charges.
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Key Numbers
2020Saab detained in Cape Verde
2023Saab granted clemency
Who's Involved
Alex Saab
Colombian businessman and ally of Nicolas Maduro, pleaded not guilty to U.S. charges
Nicolas Maduro
Venezuelan President
Joseph Schuster
Defense lawyer for Alex Saab
Delcy Rodriguez
Venezuela's former vice president, now running the country
Joe Biden
President who granted Saab clemency
↳ Why This Matters
The plea by Alex Saab, a key figure linked to the Venezuelan government, brings him closer to a U.S. trial that could reveal further details about alleged illicit financial activities connected to the Maduro administration.
Key facts
Alex Saab, a Colombian businessman and ally of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, pleaded not guilty to U.S. money laundering charges.
The plea was entered on Saab's behalf by his lawyers in Miami federal court.
Venezuela deported Saab in May to face the charges.
Prosecutors accuse Saab of stealing millions of dollars from a Venezuelan welfare plan intended for food purchases.
Saab was previously detained in Cape Verde in 2020 and brought to the U.S.
In 2023, President Joe Biden granted Saab clemency in exchange for the release of Americans detained in Venezuela.
Colombian businessman Alex Saab, a former ally of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, pleaded not guilty on Friday to U.S. money laundering charges. Saab's lawyers entered the plea on his behalf during a hearing in Miami federal court.
Venezuela deported Saab in May to face the charges. The Miami U.S. Attorney's Office accuses Saab of stealing millions of dollars from a welfare plan intended to buy food for Venezuelans, and transferring some of the illicit proceeds to U.S. bank accounts.
Saab was previously detained in Cape Verde in 2020 and subsequently taken to the U.S. In 2023, President Joe Biden granted him clemency in exchange for the release of Americans detained in Venezuela. Delcy Rodriguez, Maduro's former vice president, stated that Saab's deportation was "justified by national interests."
Frequently asked questions
Alex Saab is a Colombian businessman and former ally of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. He is facing U.S. money laundering charges.
The U.S. Attorney's Office accuses Saab of stealing millions of dollars from a Venezuelan welfare plan and transferring illicit proceeds to U.S. bank accounts.
Venezuela deported Alex Saab in May to face the U.S. charges.
Yes, in 2020 he was detained in Cape Verde and then taken to the U.S. to face charges.
What Happens Next
01Saab's trial is expected to proceed.
02Further court hearings will be scheduled.
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Cadence
How It Developed
Alex Saab pleaded not guilty to U.S. money laundering charges.
Saab's lawyers entered the plea on his behalf in Miami federal court.
Venezuela deported Saab in May to face the charges.
The U.S. Attorney's Office accuses Saab of stealing millions from a Venezuelan welfare plan.
Saab was detained in Cape Verde in 2020 and taken to the U.S.
President Joe Biden granted Saab clemency in 2023 in exchange for the release of Americans detained in Venezuela.
