Mexico City, Mexico, November 3, 2021 (venezuelanalysis.com) – A US judge dismissed all but one charge against Venezuelan government envoy Alex Saab as part of a deal between the United States and the Republic of Cape Verde to facilitate his extradition. Saab still faces one count of conspiracy to launder money, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if found guilty.
Court filings on Monday revealed that Saab’s controversial extradition to the US was made contingent on assurances to Cape Verde that he would face no more than 20 years imprisonment, the maximum allowed by the African country’s laws. The seven other charges of money laundering, dismissed by US District Judge Robert Scola, would have each also carried up to 20 years in prison.
The order of dismissal signed by US prosecutors made note of “assurances made to the Republic of Cabo Verde during the extradition process.” The two countries do not share an extradition treaty.
The political guarantees made by the US to Cape Verde adds yet another layer to the complicated legal case involving Saab. His arrest and subsequent extradition was described by the Venezuelan government as a “kidnapping” and has been subject to intense criticism due to the irregularities in the process.