Who is Alejandro Betancourt, the colourful oil baron behind US

Key Points:

• Alejandro Betancourt López, a Venezuelan oil baron and head of the Barbados-registered North American Blue Energy Partners (Nabep), is central to a major US deal granting control over 17 Venezuelan oil fields with about 65 billion barrels of crude, described by President Trump as "the biggest in history."
• Betancourt, estimated to be worth $2.6 billion, built his fortune through close government connections in Venezuela, notably with the state oil company PDVSA, and has been linked to the controversial "bolichicos," young entrepreneurs who secured large government contracts without bidding.
• Despite multiple investigations in five countries into alleged corruption and money laundering, Betancourt has denied wrongdoing and has not been convicted, with his legal team attributing accusations to politically motivated attacks.
• US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, justified partnering with Betancourt due to his proven oil production capabilities, lack of current US investigations, and his support for the Venezuelan opposition, particularly his ties to Juan Guaidó and figures close to the Trump administration.
• Betancourt's ability to navigate shifting political landscapes and maintain strategic relationships has allowed him to remain influential, with some Venezuelan authorities defending him and acknowledging his role as an intermediary in political transitions.