Maduro Ally Alex Saab Pleads Guilty in US Money Laundering Case

Sep 16, 2026

66 min

Sep 16, 2026 00:30

Maduro ally pleads guilty in $195m money laundering case in US court

## Guilty Plea and Cooperation Agreement

Alex Saab, a former Venezuelan minister and close associate of Nicolas Maduro, has pleaded guilty to money laundering in a US court. Saab, originally from Colombia, has agreed to cooperate with US prosecutors as part of a plea deal. This agreement includes forfeiting $195 million obtained through illegal activities.

## Potential Impact on Maduro

Saab's cooperation is significant as it may involve providing testimony against Maduro and former first lady Cilia Flores. Both are currently detained in New York on separate charges. Saab's plea could lead to a reduced sentence, depending on his level of cooperation with authorities.

## Background and Arrest

Saab, who was involved in Venezuelan politics during Hugo Chavez's presidency, was arrested in Cape Verde in 2020 and extradited to the US in 2021. Initially pleading not guilty, he changed his plea following negotiations. Saab had been sanctioned by the US in 2019 and was later appointed as minister of industry by Maduro in 2024, a position he lost after interim president Delcy Rodriguez took office.

## Legal Proceedings

Saab faces a maximum sentence of 20 years for his charges. His plea agreement requires him to provide truthful information and testify when needed. The case is being closely monitored due to its potential implications for Maduro's legal challenges in the US.

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