MIAMI, September 15, 2026 — Alex Saab, a Colombian-born businessman and former Venezuelan government minister with close ties to ex-President Nicolás Maduro, has pleaded guilty in a U.S. federal corruption case. The agreement involves a money laundering conspiracy connected to government contracts for food and medicine in Venezuela.
As part of the deal, Saab agreed to forfeit $195 million in criminal proceeds and cooperate with ongoing federal investigations. The case brings renewed attention to allegations of corruption surrounding Venezuela’s public welfare programs and the financial networks linked to Maduro’s former government.
Alex Saab Admits Role in Venezuela Food and Medicine Contract Scheme
Saab pleaded guilty to conspiring to launder monetary instruments during a hearing before U.S. District Judge Kathleen M. Williams in Miami.
According to the case, Saab and his associates used a network of companies to obtain lucrative Venezuelan government contracts under the Local Committees for Supply and Production, known as CLAP. The program was created to provide essential food supplies to Venezuelan families during the country’s economic crisis.
Prosecutors alleged that the scheme involved bribery, fraudulent documentation and the movement of illicit funds through international financial institutions. Saab admitted to participating in a system that used companies controlled by the conspirators to secure public contracts.
The U.S. Justice Department said the scheme involved contracts to import food and medicine. Authorities also described the use of shell companies, false invoices and shipping records to conceal the movement of money and the connection between the participants.
The money laundering charge carries a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in prison. A sentencing date has not yet been announced, and the court will determine any sentence after considering applicable legal guidelines and other factors.
$195 Million Forfeiture and Cooperation Agreement
Under the plea agreement, Saab will surrender $195 million in proceeds connected to the corruption scheme. His cooperation with federal investigators could also become an important part of continuing investigations into financial misconduct involving Venezuelan officials and business associates.
The agreement follows a long-running legal battle involving Saab and U.S. authorities. He was previously arrested in Cape Verde in 2020 and extradited to the United States in 2021 in connection with an earlier money laundering case.
In December 2023, then-President Joe Biden granted Saab clemency as part of a prisoner exchange involving Americans detained in Venezuela. The new prosecution concerns allegations that were not covered by that earlier clemency decision.
Saab was returned to the United States in May 2026 after being deported from Venezuela. Before his removal from government service, he had served as Venezuela’s industry minister under Maduro.
Saab Case Adds Pressure to Maduro-Linked Investigations
The guilty plea comes as U.S. authorities continue pursuing separate legal proceedings involving Nicolás Maduro. The former Venezuelan leader is facing federal drug trafficking charges in New York and has pleaded not guilty.
Saab has long been described by U.S. officials as a key financial intermediary for Maduro’s government. His agreement to cooperate could provide investigators with additional information about financial transactions and government-linked business operations.
The broader investigation has focused on allegations that public contracts intended to support Venezuelan citizens were exploited for private financial gain. Prosecutors have also examined the use of overseas companies and bank accounts to move money connected to the alleged scheme.
Saab’s sentencing and the scope of his cooperation remain to be determined. The case is expected to continue drawing attention as U.S. authorities pursue corruption and money laundering investigations connected to Venezuela.
