US-Venezuela Prisoner Swap: Maduro Ally Exchanged for 10 Americans and 'Fat Leonard'

Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro secured the release of a key ally, Colombian-born businessman Alex Saab, from US custody as part of a prisoner swap deal that also saw the release of 10 Americans and 20 Venezuelan citizens. Saab, who denies accusations of money laundering, was extradited to the US in 2021. His return to Caracas was celebrated by Maduro's administration, highlighting the president's determination to stand by his allies. The prisoner swap comes amid a thawing of relations between the US and Venezuela, with hopes of a more inclusive presidential election in 2024. The release of Saab has drawn criticism and raised concerns about US credibility in the fight against corruption.