Venezuela Defends Alex Saab Deportation to the U.S.
In a dramatic reversal of political loyalty, Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez defended the deportation of Alex Saab to the United States on Monday, framing the move as a necessary action to protect the country’s national interests. Once celebrated as a hero of the state, the Colombian-born businessman now faces the weight of the Venezuelan government turning against him.
A Sudden Shift in Status
Speaking on state broadcaster VTV, Rodríguez distanced the current administration from Saab, who was long considered the primary “frontman” for the Nicolás Maduro government. “Any decision taken by the Government will be in the interest of Venezuela,” Rodríguez stated. “Alex Saab is a citizen of Colombian origin who held positions in Venezuela, but these are matters between the United States of America and Alex Saab.”
This rhetoric stands in stark contrast to 2023, when Rodríguez hailed Saab’s return to Venezuela from U.S. custody as a diplomatic victory. This time, however, she characterized his removal as an “administrative measure” justified by the needs of the state.
Allegations of Fraud and Disloyalty
The shift in narrative was echoed by Minister of the Interior and Justice, Diosdado Cabello. During a weekly press conference for the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), Cabello revealed that Saab is now under investigation for “all types of fraud” against the Venezuelan state.
Cabello noted that during questioning, Saab claimed he could not remember his Venezuelan identity number. “As a result, a series of frauds against the state are being investigated,” Cabello said. He emphasized that under Article 271 of the Venezuelan Constitution, the government cannot deny the deportation of foreigners accused of money laundering, international organized crime, or crimes against public heritage.
The Rise and Fall of Alex Saab
Saab’s legal saga has been a focal point of Venezuelan-U.S. relations for years. Originally arrested in Cape Verde in 2020 on a U.S. warrant for money laundering, he was extradited to the United States in 2021. At the time, Caracas fought fiercely for his release, claiming he was a diplomat on a humanitarian mission to Iran.
In a high-stakes prisoner swap in late 2023, the U.S. released Saab in exchange for ten American citizens held in Venezuela. Upon his return, Maduro appointed him to high-ranking positions, including Minister of Industry and National Production in October 2024. However, following the recent arrest of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. authorities, Saab was dismissed from his posts by Rodríguez, clearing the path for his second deportation to the United States.
The Venezuelan Administrative Service of Identification, Migration and Foreigners (SAIME) confirmed the deportation was completed on Saturday, citing compliance with national immigration laws.
Image: Pexels – Arturo Añez.
