Businessman Alex Saab faces money laundering charges in the United States

According to prosecutors, Saab participated in a bribery network to obtain lucrative public contracts in the country. American authorities have been investigating the Colombian businessman for more than a decade. He was extradited to the United States in May by Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez.

The money laundering charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Prosecutors, however, committed to recommending a punishment close to the minimum expected and to requesting further reductions if Saab's collaboration is considered useful. He may also assist in investigations involving four other defendants whose names have not been released.

Saab had been formally accused in 2019, during Donald Trump's first administration. In 2020, he was arrested in Cape Verde during a fuel stop for his plane. At the time, the Venezuelan government stated that he was on a humanitarian mission en route to Iran.