Close Maduro ally pardoned by Biden once again a target of US criminal investigation

The U.S. Justice Department is targeting Alex Saab, a businessman linked to Nicolás Maduro, in an investigation that could impact the U.S. prosecution of the deposed Venezuelan leader. That's according to two former U.S. officials and another person familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation. Saab was pardoned by President Biden in 2023 but is under scrutiny again for his involvement in Venezuela's CLAP program, which provided food staples to the poor. His whereabouts are currently unknown. Saab's attorney insists he committed no crimes and should be shielded by the pardon.