**Former Maduro Ally Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering and Fraud**
*Miami, FL – September 16, 2026* – Alex Saab, a Colombian-Venezuelan businessman and former close ally of Nicolás Maduro, the former President of Venezuela, has pleaded guilty in a U.S. federal court to charges of money laundering and fraud. Saab's admission of guilt was made before U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams in Miami, where he acknowledged his role in orchestrating a bribery scheme that exploited Venezuelan government contracts.
Saab, who previously held the position of Venezuela's Minister of Industry, confessed to organizing a network of bribes to Venezuelan officials. This system allowed companies under his control to secure lucrative government contracts aimed at importing essential goods, such as food and medicine, during a time when Venezuela faced severe economic challenges.
The U.S. Justice Department revealed that the fraudulent contracts were associated with CLAP (Local Committees for Supply and Production), a government welfare program designed to provide subsidized food to the population amid the country's economic collapse. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, Saab and his associates utilized fake companies, false invoices, and fraudulent shipping records to misappropriate hundreds of millions of dollars intended for public welfare. The proceeds from these illicit activities were then laundered through various shell companies, including those based in the United States.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva emphasized the complexity of Saab's operations, stating that he created a "complex web of front companies, shell accounts, and false records" to facilitate his fraudulent schemes. Furthermore, Saab exploited his connections with Venezuelan officials to gain access to oil owned by the state oil company PDVSA, selling it under misleading pretenses as U.S. sanctions intensified pressure on the Venezuelan economy.
Saab pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. As part of his plea agreement, Saab has consented to forfeit $195 million in criminal proceeds and to cooperate with ongoing federal investigations. Prosecutors have indicated they will recommend a sentence at the lower end of the sentencing range, with the potential for further reductions based on the extent of his cooperation.
A sentencing date for Saab has yet to be determined. This case marks Saab's second prosecution in the United States. He was initially arrested in Cape Verde in 2020 and subsequently extradited to face similar charges. In December 2023, former President Joe Biden granted him clemency as part of a prisoner exchange deal with Venezuela. Following a new indictment in January, Saab was deported to the U.S. in May by Venezuela’s interim government, which was under significant pressure from Washington after Maduro was removed from power.
U.S. Attorney Jason Reding Quinones commented on the implications of the case, stating that it sends a "clear message" that political connections and wealth will not shield individuals from accountability under U.S. law.
The developments surrounding Saab's case highlight ongoing concerns regarding corruption and the misuse of state resources in Venezuela, particularly during a time of humanitarian crisis. As investigations continue, Saab's cooperation may provide further insights into the inner workings of the Venezuelan government and its dealings with foreign entities.