U.S. prosecutors have charged Alex Saab, a close ally of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, with money laundering for allegedly exploiting a Venezuelan food program.
Saab, 55, was deported to the U.S. over the weekend by Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodriguez, who called the move justified by national interests.
Prosecutors allege Saab used fake companies and bank accounts to steal hundreds of millions of dollars. He made his first court appearance in Miami.
The charges come as the Trump administration prepares to try Maduro. Saab could provide key information against Maduro.
