Federal prosecutors open new criminal probe into Maduro, sources say
Summary
Federal prosecutors in Miami have started a new criminal investigation into detained former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. This investigation focuses on suspected money-laundering connected to a Venezuelan welfare food program and comes after Maduro was already charged with drug trafficking and firearms offenses in New York.Key Facts
- Federal prosecutors in Miami launched a new criminal investigation against Nicolás Maduro around March.
- The probe focuses on money laundering linked to a Venezuelan food program called CLAP.
- Maduro was captured by U.S. forces in Venezuela and faces charges in New York for drug trafficking and firearms crimes.
- Alex Saab, a business associate of Maduro, was recently deported to the U.S. and indicted for money laundering related to the same food program.
- Saab was previously pardoned by President Joe Biden after serving prison time, then returned to Venezuela in a prisoner swap.
- Prosecutors believe Saab manages some of Maduro’s money, which has been difficult to trace.
- The Justice Department and White House officials are concerned the current indictment lacks money-laundering charges against Maduro.
- The new Miami investigation is led by prosecutor Michael Berger and involves FBI, Homeland Security, and IRS agents.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.