Alex Saab Charged, Deported to US

Alex Saab, a close ally of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, has been charged by U.S. prosecutors with money laundering and bribery. He was deported to the United States by acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez, a move she justified by 'national interests.' Saab is accused of exploiting a Venezuelan welfare plan, conspiring to bribe officials, and transferring money through U.S. bank accounts. He allegedly used fake companies and falsified records to pilfer hundreds of millions of dollars meant for food and later accessed billions from Petróleos de Venezuela — PDVSA oil sales under false pretenses. This prosecution is seen as a way for U.S. authorities to strengthen their criminal case against Nicolás Maduro, who is awaiting trial on drug charges. Delcy Rodríguez's actions, including opening Venezuela's oil industry to U.S. investment, signal a shift in her administration's approach and a purge of corrupt businessmen, though she faces domestic pressures from within the ruling socialist party.