Biden Administration Reaches Deal With Venezuela Over Prisoner Release

The United States frees an ally of Venezuela’s Maduro in exchange for 10 American prisoners.

Colombian businessman Alex Saab (L) leaves after a meeting with Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro (R) at the Miraflores Presidential Palace in Caracas on December 20, 2023. Federico Parra / AFP

The Biden administration has reached a deal with Venezuela that resulted in the release of 30 prisoners in Venezuela, including 10 Americans. In exchange, the United States freed one of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro’s closest allies.

The Maduro ally, Colombian businessman Alex Saab, was accused of siphoning off nearly $350 million from Venezuela through the United States in a scheme that involved bribing Venezuelan government officials.