Conflicting reports emerged Wednesday regarding the alleged detention of Alex Saab, former Venezuelan diplomat and industry minister, along with prominent businessman Raúl Gorrín. Saab’s legal representative, Luigi Giuliano, explicitly denied arrest claims to Reuters, stating his client anticipated meeting with Acting President Delcy Rodríguez for clarification.
Colombian media outlet Caracol initially reported that Venezuela’s intelligence agency (SEBIN) had detained both individuals. These claims gained partial credibility when an anonymous U.S. official confirmed the arrest to Reuters, suggesting the detentions related to money laundering charges and reflected growing law enforcement collaboration between Washington and Caracas.
The developments occur against the backdrop of accelerated diplomatic normalization between the two nations following the Biden administration’s December 2023 prisoner exchange that secured Saab’s release after three years of U.S. imprisonment. This reconciliation continued despite recent tensions including the January 3rd bombings and kidnapping attempts targeting President Nicolás Maduro.
Venezuelan authorities maintained official silence regarding the situation. National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez claimed no knowledge of the matter, while Attorney General Tarek William Saab first denied reports before stating he lacked information about potential arrests.
The absence of public statements from both Saab and Gorrín since Wednesday intensified speculation. Saab’s wife, Camilla Fabbri, who directs the government’s repatriation program, posted a social media message stating ‘the truth will prevail’ without directly addressing detention allegations.
Saab, a Colombian-born businessman, rose to prominence as a key Maduro ally by orchestrating import channels despite U.S. sanctions. His 2020 arrest in Cape Verde and subsequent extradition to the U.S. sparked diplomatic confrontations, with Caracas arguing violation of his diplomatic immunity. Gorrín remains under U.S. sanctions for alleged corruption and money laundering through his ownership of La Vitalicia insurance and Globovisión television network.