Key Maduro Ally Alex Saab Reportedly Detained in Caracas, Faces Imminent US Extradition
In a dramatic development that underscores the ongoing political turbulence in Venezuela, Alex Saab, a wealthy Colombian-Venezuelan businessman long regarded as a close associate of the deposed president Nicolás Maduro, has reportedly been detained in the capital city of Caracas. According to sources, the operation was conducted jointly by Venezuela's Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (Sebin) and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), signalling a significant collaboration between the two nations' authorities.
Joint Operation Targets High-Profile Figures
The reported detention occurred in the early hours of Wednesday at a luxury residence in Caracas. Saab, aged 54, was allegedly taken into custody by Sebin agents around 2am local time and is currently being held at the intelligence service's detention centre. In a parallel move, billionaire media mogul Raúl Gorrín, the owner of the Globovisión television channel, was also reportedly arrested at the same address. This dual apprehension highlights the targeting of influential figures linked to the previous administration.
A senior US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Saab's detention resulted from cooperative efforts between American and Venezuelan agencies. The official further indicated that extradition proceedings to transfer Saab to the United States are expected to commence imminently, potentially within the coming days. However, Venezuela's government has not yet issued an official statement to verify the arrests, leaving room for uncertainty amid the fast-moving situation.
Contradictory Claims and Legal History
In response to the reports, Luigi Giuliano, a lawyer representing Alex Saab, vehemently denied the allegations, labelling them as "fake news" in an interview with Colombia's El Espectador newspaper. Giuliano asserted that his client was "doing fine in Caracas" and remained at liberty. Similarly, a representative for Raúl Gorrín informed the New York Times that the media tycoon was free as of Wednesday evening, adding to the conflicting narratives surrounding the incident.
Saab's legal troubles are not new. In 2019, he was indicted in the US on charges of orchestrating a corruption scheme that allegedly diverted approximately $350 million from Venezuelan government funds into accounts under his control. His arrest in Cape Verde in 2020 and subsequent extradition to the United States in 2021 led to money laundering charges. Notably, Saab has also faced sanctions in the United Kingdom for allegedly misappropriating resources intended for public welfare programmes aimed at assisting impoverished Venezuelans.
Political Volatility and Recent Developments
The reported detention of Alex Saab serves as a stark reminder of the volatile political climate in Venezuela, which has been in a state of flux since the ousting of Nicolás Maduro one month ago. This event has upended the country's authoritarian landscape, leading to significant shifts in power dynamics. Delcy Rodríguez, the interim leader who succeeded Maduro, has taken steps to dismantle elements of the previous regime, including stripping Saab of his ministerial position on 16 January, a role he had only assumed in 2024 following his controversial release in a prisoner swap deal with the Biden administration in December 2023.
Since assuming control, Rodríguez has removed several key figures from Maduro's cabinet and security apparatus, such as the head of presidential security and the minister of communication and information. Despite these changes, influential members of the Chavismo movement, including the feared interior minister Diosdado Cabello, who commands Venezuela's security forces and paramilitary groups, remain in positions of power, indicating that the transition is far from complete.
Former US President Donald Trump has weighed in on the situation, claiming that the United States is "running" Venezuela following a special forces raid in January and warning that Rodríguez could face severe consequences if she fails to align with Washington's directives. This external pressure adds another layer of complexity to Venezuela's domestic challenges as it navigates this period of profound uncertainty and change.
