Biden Administration Releases Maduro Ally Alex Saab in Prisoner Swap with Venezuela

The Biden administration has released Alex Saab, a close ally of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, in exchange for imprisoned Americans. Saab, arrested in 2020 under a U.S. order for money laundering, was freed on December 20, 2023. This move may lead to the release of some or all of the at least ten U.S. citizens detained in Venezuela. The White House has not commented publicly on the matter, but indications of a backstage deal were present. Saab’s release, a significant concession to Maduro, marks a pivotal development in U.S.-Venezuela relations.