The Venezuelan government deported businessman Alex Saab to the United States on Saturday, according to a statement from the country's immigration authority. The authority cited ongoing criminal investigations in the U.S. as the basis for the decision.
Saab, a close ally of former President Nicolás Maduro, faces multiple criminal investigations in the U.S. and has been described as Maduro's "bag man."
Key Facts
- U.S. officials have described Saab as Maduro's "bag man," and he is named as "Co-Conspirator 1" in a 2021 indictment.
- The indictment alleges Saab helped bribe a pro-Maduro governor to secure contracts for importing food boxes from Mexico at inflated prices.
- Saab was arrested in Cape Verde in 2020. He returned to Venezuela in 2023 as part of a prisoner swap with the U.S.
- In December 2023, Saab was released from U.S. custody as part of that exchange. Former President Joe Biden pardoned Saab regarding a 2019 indictment for a low-income housing contract that was never fulfilled.
- After his return, former President Maduro appointed Saab as Minister of Industry.
- Following a change in Venezuela's leadership in January 2026, Saab was removed from his cabinet position. His wife, Camilla Fabri, was also removed from her role as deputy minister for international communication in February.
- Reports have circulated that Saab was imprisoned or under house arrest in Venezuela prior to his deportation.
Legal and Procedural Details
- The Venezuelan immigration authority classified Saab as a Colombian national. Venezuelan law prohibits the extradition of its own nationals, but permits deportation of foreign nationals.
- Saab faces charges in the U.S. for money laundering and corruption related to a food aid program.
- His deportation may become a factor in the ongoing criminal case against former President Maduro on drug charges in Manhattan.
- Saab's Miami-based attorney declined to comment. The U.S. Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Background
Saab amassed a fortune through Venezuelan government contracts.