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Alex Saab Removed from Venezuelan Government Amid U.S. Relations Shift

KVIA•Monday, January 19, 2026 at 5:38 PM•CNN Newsource

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Colombian businessman Alex Saab, a close associate of former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, has been removed from his government position by interim President Delcy Rodríguez. This decision follows discussions between Rodríguez and U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump and the FBI director. Saab, who has faced serious allegations of money laundering and corruption, was arrested in 2020 and extradited to the U.S. in 2021. He has consistently denied the charges against him, claiming to be a victim of political persecution. In 2023, Saab received a presidential pardon from Joe Biden, coinciding with Venezuela's release of American detainees, and all charges were dropped for 2024, marking a significant shift in his legal battles.

Key Details: • Saab was removed from government on the basis of new U.S.-Venezuela relations. • He was arrested in June 2020 and extradited to the U.S. in October 2021. • Saab received a presidential pardon in 2023, leading to all charges being dropped in 2024.

politics venezuela corruption u-s-relations alex-saab

People & Organizations

Donald TrumpDepartment of JusticeFBIVenezuelaNicolás MaduroFloridaDelcy RodríguezAlex SaabCabo VerdeDEA

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