Venezuela says it deported a close ally of Maduro

Key Points:

• Venezuela has deported Alex Saab, a close ally of Nicolás Maduro facing multiple criminal investigations in the U.S., marking a reversal from Maduro's previous efforts to secure Saab's release after his 2023 pardon by President Biden.
• Saab, described by U.S. officials as Maduro’s "bag man," amassed wealth through Venezuelan government contracts but was removed from power by acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who has sought closer ties with the U.S.
• U.S. prosecutors have investigated Saab's alleged involvement in a bribery scheme linked to the Venezuelan CLAP food program, which provided subsidized food to impoverished citizens amid economic crisis.
• Saab’s deportation may deepen divisions within Venezuela’s ruling coalition and could lead to him cooperating as a witness against Maduro, as he previously assisted the DEA in corruption investigations.
• Saab was initially arrested in 2020 during a refueling stop in Cape Verde and was released in a prisoner swap in 2023, a move criticized by some U.S. lawmakers despite Biden’s efforts to encourage democratic reforms in Venezuela.