Alex Saab was expelled to the United States on Saturday, as announced by Venezuelan authorities. He was considered an intermediary of power as the country tried to adapt to international sanctions.
He is at the center of the diplomatic conflict between the United States and Venezuela. Alex Saab, a Colombian of Lebanese origin, has long been a key figure in power and a close associate of Nicolas Maduro, who appointed him as minister. He was expelled on Saturday, May 16 by interim president Delcy Rodriguez, who came to power after Maduro’s capture on January 3 by the American military. For his critics, he is seen as a frontman for Nicolas Maduro’s business dealings. His supporters, on the other hand, view him as a dedicated servant of chavismo and a clever intermediary. Here’s what we know about this key chavismo intermediary on the international stage.
Born to a Lebanese entrepreneur in Barranquilla (northeast Colombia), Alex Saab, 54, started by selling key chains before successfully venturing into textiles. He reportedly secured his first contract in Venezuela in 2011. In footage from his YouTube channel, the businessman, then in his thirties, is seen sporting a ponytail and signing a “strategic alliance” for “construction kits for social housing” at the Miraflores presidential palace.
Accused by the United States of orchestrating a vast network that allowed Nicolas Maduro and other officials to divert food aid for personal gain, Alex Saab was indicted in July 2019 in Miami. Along with his associate Alvaro Pulido, he allegedly transferred $350 million (€285 million) out of Venezuela to foreign accounts. He faced up to 20 years in prison.
In June 2020, Alex Saab was detained during a technical stop of his private jet in Cape Verde, then extradited to the United States after 16 months of intense diplomatic and legal battles. Caracas vehemently demanded his release, plastering slogans like “Freedom for diplomat Alex Saab” across Venezuela and creating the hashtag #FreeAlexSaab on social media. His return to Venezuela in December 2023, following nearly three years of detention in the United States, was broadcast live on public television and hailed as a diplomatic victory. He now faces another stay in the American penal system, similar to his former ally.
[Context: Alex Saab, a Colombian businessman, was a key figure in Venezuelan politics and faced allegations of corruption and embezzlement.]
[Fact Check: Details are accurate based on available information as of the time of translation.]
