U.S. prosecutors have charged Alex Saab, a close associate of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, with money laundering linked to the alleged misuse of a Venezuelan welfare programme, according to court filings unsealed. Saab, described by U.S. authorities as a key financial operator within Maduro’s inner circle, is accused of exploiting government food and oil schemes through fraudulent financial networks.

Saab, the 55-year-old former Venezuelan industry minister, was deported to the United States by Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodríguez, who described the move as “justified by national interests”. His transfer signalled increased cooperation between Rodríguez’s administration and U.S. authorities under President Donald Trump. Saab later appeared in federal court in Miami.

According to prosecutors, the scheme began in 2015 and involved shell companies, falsified invoices, and manipulated shipping records used to divert hundreds of millions of dollars intended for food imports for Venezuelans. U.S. authorities also allege Saab bribed officials and routed illicit proceeds through American bank accounts.

From 2019 onward, prosecutors say Saab expanded the operation by facilitating billions of dollars in oil sales under false pretences during Venezuela’s financial crisis and U.S. sanctions regime. The case comes as the Trump administration prepares legal proceedings against Maduro. U.S. officials believe Saab could provide information relevant to broader investigations into Venezuela’s former leadership. DEA Administrator Terrance Cole said the prosecution reflects continuing efforts to dismantle corruption networks tied to Venezuela’s government. Saab was previously detained in Cape Verde in 2020 and later granted clemency in 2023 during a prisoner exchange.