Maduro's alleged 'bag man' Alex Saab arrested less than 3 years after Biden pardon: report
Alex Saab, a Colombian businessman and close ally of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, was arrested in a joint U.S.-Venezuelan operation less than three years after being pardoned by former President Joe Biden. The arrest signals increased cooperation between U.S. authorities and Venezuela's interim leadership under Delcy Rodríguez. Saab, previously described as Maduro's 'bag man,' may now serve as a key witness in the U.S. case against the former president.
- ▪Alex Saab was arrested in February 2026 following a joint U.S.-Venezuelan operation.
- ▪He was pardoned by President Joe Biden in 2023 as part of a prisoner swap focused on a 2019 housing indictment.
- ▪Saab is accused of siphoning $350 million from Venezuela and facilitating corruption in food import contracts.
- ▪He had previously held secret meetings with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to expose corruption in Maduro's government.
- ▪Following Maduro's capture, interim President Delcy Rodríguez removed Saab from his cabinet and investment roles.
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Justice Department Maduro's alleged 'bag man' Alex Saab arrested less than 3 years after Biden pardon: report The Colombian businessman's arrest signals new cooperation between US authorities and Venezuela's interim president By Alexandra Koch Fox News Published May 16, 2026 9:55pm EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Paul Mauro: US expects 'full mapping' of Maduro's network from Venezuelan officials Fox News contributor Paul Mauro joined 'Fox & Friends' to discuss Maduro's impending arraignment, the potential for private vs. public defense and more.
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