U.S. prosecutors charged Alex Saab, known as the "bag man" for former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, with money laundering over his alleged exploitation of a Venezuelan welfare plan, according to court filings unsealed on Monday.Saab, a top ally of Maduro's, was deported by Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodriguez over the weekend to the U.S. in a move that she said was "justified by national interests."The deportation signaled a new level of coordination between the Trump administration and Rodriguez, Maduro's former vice president.Read More: Record oil draw from US emergency reserve drives total volumes to two-year lowSaab, the 55-year-old former Venezuelan minister of industry, conspired to bribe Venezuelan officials and transferred money through U.S. bank accounts to enrich himself, prosecutors alleged. He made his initial court appearance on Monday afternoon in a Miami federal court.The charges come as the administration of President Donald Trump prepares to try Maduro, who was captured by U.S. special forces in Caracas earlier this year.Saab could provide U.S. authorities with information to strengthen their criminal case against Maduro, Reuters previously reported.Read More: Putin visits China to reaffirm Russia ties as Xi also seeks stable US relations after Trump summit"These charges are a direct result of DEA's continued commitment to dismantle the corrupt networks operating throughout Venezuela," said U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Administrator Terrance Cole.
US Justice Department charges Maduro ally Alex Saab with money laundering
US prosecutors have charged Alex Saab, a key ally of Nicolas Maduro, with money laundering. Saab allegedly exploited a Venezuelan welfare plan. He was deported to the US over the weekend. This move signals increased cooperation between the Trump administration and Venezuelan officials.
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