Venezuela Deports Businessman to Face U.S. Criminal Proceedings

Venezuela's government said Saturday it deported a Colombian-born businessman to face criminal proceedings in the United States. Officials did not name the destination in a short statement but tied the action to several ongoing U.S. investigations.

Background on the Case The businessman, identified as Alex Saab, is 54 and was born in Colombia. He built wealth through contracts with the Venezuelan government and was long described by U.S. authorities as a key financial operator for the prior administration.

Saab was first arrested in 2020 during a refueling stop in Cape Verde while traveling to Iran. Venezuelan officials at the time described the trip as a humanitarian mission to bypass U.S. sanctions.

The deportation marks a reversal for Saab, who had been pardoned in 2023 in exchange for the release of several imprisoned Americans and the return of a foreign defense contractor. The pardon covered a 2019 indictment related to alleged bribery in a low-income housing contract.

Federal prosecutors have continued investigating Saab's role in a separate alleged bribery scheme involving food import contracts under a program known as CLAP. " — Associated Press, May 16, 2026 Officials said the action was based on Venezuelan law that prohibits extradition of nationals.

The statement referred to Saab only as a Colombian citizen. Saab's Miami-based attorney declined to comment. The Justice Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.