The Geopolitical Game of Catch and Release
The U.S. Justice Department's renewed targeting of Alex Saab, a businessman and former diplomat for Venezuela, just months after he was pardoned by President Biden in December 2023, is a move steeped in geopolitical maneuvering rather than a straightforward application of law. THE ACTORS: Who is involved in this story? Alex Saab: Colombian-Venezuelan businessman, granted diplomatic status by
Venezuela, previously accused by the U.S. of money laundering, now facing renewed scrutiny. Nicolás Maduro: President of Venezuela, whose government Saab represents and is deeply intertwined with. Joe Biden Administration: Executed Saab's pardon and is now, through the Justice Department, reportedly pursuing new investigations. DOJ prosecutors in Miami: Specifically interested in Saab's alleged
financial crimes tied to Venezuelan state contracts. The timing is notable. Saab was pardoned as part of a prisoner swap that included the release of ten Americans held in Venezuela. This was widely seen as a pragmatic diplomatic move to secure U.S. citizens' freedom, despite long-standing accusations against Saab. Now, sources claim prosecutors are reviewing new information. If accurate, this
implies either a profound lack of coordination within the U.S. government or a deliberate shift in strategy. THE FUNDING: Where does their money come from? Saab’s alleged illicit activities reportedly involve contracts related to CLAP (Local Committees for Supply and Production) food boxes—a Venezuelan government social program. The U.S. alleges that Saab and his network secured inflated