Venezuela has deported Alex Saab, a close ally of Nicolás Maduro, to face criminal investigations in the U.S., less than three years after he was pardoned by President Joe Biden. This decision marks a significant shift, as Maduro fought to bring Saab home after his previous arrest in 2020. Saab, described by U.S. officials as Maduro's “bag man,” may now testify against the Venezuelan leader, who awaits trial on drug charges. The Venezuelan immigration authority stated that the decision was based on ongoing U.S. criminal investigations. Saab's reference as a “Colombian citizen” may be a nod to Venezuelan law, which prohibits the extradition of its nationals. Saab amassed a fortune through Venezuelan government contracts. However, he fell out of favor with the new leadership after Maduro's ouster. His removal to the U.S. could deepen divisions within the ruling coalition. He could become a valuable witness against Maduro. Saab secretly met with the Drug Enforcement Administration before his first arrest, and his lawyers revealed that he helped the DEA untangle corruption in Maduro's inner circle. As part of that cooperation, he forfeited over $12 million in illegal proceeds. Saab's attorney declined to comment, and the Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.