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US, Venezuela swap prisoners: Maduro ally for 10 Americans and ‘Fat Leonard’

The United States freed a close ally of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in exchange for the release of 10 Americans imprisoned in the South American country and the return of a fugitive defense contractor known as “Fat Leonard” who is at the center of a massive Pentagon bribery scandal, the Biden administration announced Wednesday.

Quick Read

  • U.S.-Venezuela Prisoner Swap: The U.S. released Alex Saab, an ally of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, in exchange for 10 American prisoners and the return of defense contractor Leonard Glenn Francis.
  • Biden’s Diplomatic Strategy: This move by the Biden administration aims to improve relations with Venezuela and obtain concessions from Maduro’s government.
  • Maduro’s Reaction: Maduro hailed Saab’s return as a victory against U.S. accusations, asserting Venezuela’s resilience and independence.
  • Significance of Saab’s Release: Releasing Saab, seen as Maduro’s financial operator, was a major concession by the U.S., especially considering the efforts of the Trump administration to apprehend him.
  • Background on Saab: Saab, arrested in Cape Verde in 2020, faced U.S. charges of money laundering and was involved in alleged corruption schemes in Venezuela.
  • American Prisoners Released: Among the released Americans are six designated as wrongfully detained, including two former Green Berets involved in a failed attempt to oust Maduro.
  • Return of “Fat Leonard”: Leonard Glenn Francis, central to a Pentagon bribery scandal, was also returned to U.S. custody as part of the deal.
  • Opposition to the Exchange: Some Venezuelan opposition members and U.S. Republicans criticized the swap, fearing it strengthens Maduro’s regime.
  • Context of Sanctions and Political Promises: The prisoner exchange follows U.S. sanction suspensions after Maduro’s commitment to fair presidential elections in 2024, a promise he has partly failed to fulfill.
  • Controversy Over Deal’s Implications: Critics argue the exchange sets a bad precedent by potentially incentivizing hostage-taking and equating wrongfully detained Americans with convicted criminals.
  • Biden’s Objective: The Biden administration emphasizes the importance of securing the release of Americans wrongfully detained abroad, despite the challenging nature of such negotiations.
  • Concerns Over Executive Overreach: Critics worry about the precedent of executive authority in bypassing judicial processes for diplomatic prisoner exchanges.
  • Poverty in Venezuela: Despite the high-profile exchange, millions in Venezuela continue to live in extreme poverty, with many fleeing the country.

The Associated Press has the story:

US, Venezuela swap prisoners: Maduro ally for 10 Americans and ‘Fat Leonard’

Newslooks- MIAMI (AP)

The United States freed a close ally of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in exchange for the release of 10 Americans imprisoned in the South American country and the return of a fugitive defense contractor known as “Fat Leonard” who is at the center of a massive Pentagon bribery scandal, the Biden administration announced Wednesday.

Venezuelan President Maduro, center left, embraces Alex Saab after Saab arrived at Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023. The United States freed Saab, who was arrested on a U.S. warrant for money laundering in 2020, in exchange for the release of 10 Americans imprisoned in Venezuela, the Biden administration announced Wednesday. Saab’s young daughter Mariam stands in front of him, wife Camila Fabri stands center right, sons Isham, behind, Shadi, right, and Charlotte partially covered behind Shadi. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

The deal represents the Biden administration’s boldest move yet to improve relations with the major oil-producing nation and extract concessions from the self-proclaimed socialist leader. The largest release of American prisoners in Venezuela’s history comes weeks after the White House agreed to suspend some sanctions, following a commitment by Maduro to work toward free and fair conditions for the 2024 presidential election.

Venezuelan President Maduro speaks, left, as he stands with Alex Saab, behind second microphone, at Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023. The United States freed Saab, who was arrested on a U.S. warrant for money laundering in 2020, in exchange for the release of 10 Americans imprisoned in Venezuela, U.S. officials said Wednesday. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

Maduro celebrated the return of Alex Saab as a “triumph for truth” over a U.S.-led campaign of lies, threats and torture against someone his government considers a Venezuelan diplomat who was illegally arrested on a U.S. warrant.

“President Biden,” a defiant Maduro said with Saab at his side for a hero’s welcome at the presidential palace, “Venezuela stands strong, following its own model. We won’t be anyone’s colony.”

FILE – This undated photo provided by the U.S. Marshals Service shows Leonard Francis. The felony convictions of four former Navy officers in one of the worst bribery cases in the maritime branch’s history were vacated Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, following allegations of prosecutorial misconduct, the latest setback to the government’s yearslong efforts in going after dozens of military officials tied to Leonard Francis, a defense contractor nicknamed Fat Leonard. (U.S. Marshals Service via AP, File)

The release of Saab, long regarded by Washington as a bagman for Maduro, is a significant concession to the Venezuelan leader. Former President Donald Trump’s administration held out Saab as a trophy, spending millions of dollars pursuing the Colombian-born businessman, at one point even deploying a Navy warship to the coast of West Africa following his arrest in Cape Verde to ward off a possible escape.

Venezuelan President Maduro, top left, escorts Alex Saab into Miraflores presidential palace after Saab arrived to Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023. The United States freed Saab, who was arrested on a U.S. warrant for money laundering in 2020, in exchange for the release of 10 Americans imprisoned in Venezuela, U.S. officials said Wednesday. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

U.S. officials said Biden’s decision to grant him clemency was difficult but essential in order to bring home jailed Americans, a core administrative objective that in recent years has resulted in the release of criminals who once had been seen as untradeable.

The 10 Americans released include six who have been designated by the U.S. government as wrongfully detained.

Venezuelan President Maduro, center right, embraces Alex Saab at Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023. The United States freed Saab, who was arrested on a U.S. warrant for money laundering in 2020, in exchange for the release of 10 Americans imprisoned in Venezuela, U.S. officials said Wednesday. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

“These individuals have lost far too much precious time with their loved ones, and their families have suffered every day in their absence. I am grateful that their ordeal is finally over,” President Joe Biden said in a statement.

The agreement also resulted in the return to U.S. custody of Leonard Glenn Francis, the Malaysian owner of a ship-servicing company who is the central character in one of the largest bribery scandals in Pentagon history.

Venezuelan President Maduro, center left, places his hand on Alex Saab’s shoulder as he receives Saab at Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023. The United States freed Saab, who was arrested on a U.S. warrant for money laundering in 2020, in exchange for the release of 10 Americans imprisoned in Venezuela, U.S. officials said Wednesday. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

But the exchange, a major U.S. concession, angered many hard-liners in the Venezuelan opposition who have criticized the White House for standing by as Maduro has repeatedly outmaneuvered Washington after the Trump administration’s campaign to topple him failed.

In October, the White House eased sanctions on Venezuela’s oil industry following promises by Maduro that he would level the playing field for the 2024 election, when he’s looking to add six years to his decade-long, crisis-ridden rule. A Nov. 30 deadline has passed and so far Maduro has failed to reverse a ban blocking his chief opponent, María Corina Machado, from running for office.

FILE – Pedestrians walk near a poster asking for the freedom of Colombian businessman and Venezuelan special envoy Alex Saab, in Caracas, Venezuela, Sept. 9, 2021. The United States freed a close ally of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in exchange for the release of 10 Americans imprisoned in the South American country and the extradition of a fugitive defense contractor known as “Fat Leonard” who is at the center of a massive Pentagon bribery scandal, the Biden administration announced Wednesday. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos, File)

Biden told reporters earlier in the day that, so far, Maduro appeared to be “keeping his comment on a free election.” Republicans, echoing the sentiment of many in the U.S.-backed opposition, said Saab’s release would only embolden Maduro to continue down an authoritarian path.

“Disgraceful decision,” Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, posted on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

Venezuelan President Maduro, center right, receives Alex Saab, at Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023. The United States freed Saab, who was arrested on a U.S. warrant for money laundering in 2020, in exchange for the release of 10 Americans imprisoned in Venezuela, U.S. officials said Wednesday. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

The U.S. sanctions remain suspended as part of the deal announced Wednesday. It also requires Maduro’s government to release 21 Venezuelans, including Roberto Abdul, who co-founded a pro-democracy group with Machado more than two decades ago, and dismiss three arrest warrants.

Among the Americans behind bars in Venezuela are two former Green Berets, Luke Denman and Airan Berry, who were involved in an attempt to oust Maduro in 2019. Also detained are Eyvin Hernandez, Jerrel Kenemore and Joseph Cristella, who were accused of entering Venezuela illegally from Colombia. More recently, Venezuela arrested Savoi Wright, a 38-year-old California businessman.

Venezuelan President Maduro exits a door at Miraflores presidential palace to receive Alex Saab in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023. The United States freed Saab, who was arrested on a U.S. warrant for money laundering in 2020, in exchange for the release of 10 Americans imprisoned in Venezuela, U.S. officials said Wednesday. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

The U.S. has conducted several swaps with Venezuela over the past few years, including one in October 2022 for seven Americans, including five oil executives at Houston-based Citgo, in exchange for the release of two nephews of Maduro’s wife jailed in the U.S. on narcotics charges. Like that earlier exchange, Wednesday’s swap took place on a tarmac in the Caribbean island nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Saab, who turns 52 on Thursday, hugged his wife and two young children as he descended the staircase of a private jet at the Simon Bolivar International Airport. Also present to welcome him was Venezuela’s first lady, Cilia Flores.

Alex Saab, center, makes a statement next to Venezuelan President Maduro, left, at Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023. The United States freed Saab, who was arrested on a U.S. warrant for money laundering in 2020, in exchange for the release of 10 Americans imprisoned in Venezuela, U.S. officials said Wednesday. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

It was a stark reversal from the scene on another tarmac, in Cape Verde, where he was arrested in 2020 during a fuel stop en route to Iran to negotiate oil deals on behalf of Maduro’s government. The U.S. charges were conspiracy to commit money laundering tied to a bribery scheme that allegedly siphoned off $350 million through state contracts to build affordable housing. Saab was also sanctioned for allegedly running a scheme that allegedly stole hundreds of millions in dollars from food-import contracts at a time of widespread hunger mainly due to shortages in the South American country.

After his arrest, Maduro’s government said Saab was a special envoy on a humanitarian mission and was entitled to diplomatic immunity from criminal prosecution under international law.

Joseph Schuster, a lawyer for Saab, welcomed his client’s reunion with his family. “We are also very happy for the American citizens who will be able to rejoin their families for Christmas,” he said.

Venezuelan President Maduro, center right, embraces Alex Saab at Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023. The United States freed Saab, who was arrested on a U.S. warrant for money laundering in 2020, in exchange for the release of 10 Americans imprisoned in Venezuela, U.S. officials said Wednesday. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

There was no mention of Saab’s past secret meetings with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. In a closed-door court hearing last year, Saab’s lawyers said that he was for years helping that agency untangle corruption in Maduro’s inner circle and had agreed to forfeit millions of dollars in illegal proceeds from corrupt state contracts.

But the value of the information he shared with the Americans is unknown; some have suggested it may have all been a Maduro-authorized ruse to collect intelligence on the U.S. law enforcement activities in Venezuela. Whatever the case, Saab skipped out on a May 2019 surrender date and shortly afterward was charged by federal prosecutors in Miami.

Meanwhile, millions of Venezuelans who have chosen to remain in their country continue to live in poverty. The minimum wage is about $3.60 a month, just enough to buy a gallon of water. The low wages and high food prices have pushed more than 7.4 million people to leave the country.

The deal is the latest concession by the Biden administration in the name of bringing home Americans jailed overseas, including a high-profile prisoner exchange last December when the U.S. government — over the objections of some Republicans in Congress and criticism from some law enforcement officials — traded Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout for WNBA star Brittney Griner.

The swaps have raised concerns that the U.S. is incentivizing hostage-taking abroad and producing a false equivalence between Americans who are wrongfully detained abroad and foreigners who have been properly prosecuted and convicted in U.S courts.

“What happened to the separation of powers?” said Juan Cruz, who oversaw the White House’s relations with Latin America while working at the National Security Council from 2017-19. “Normally you would have to wait a defendant to be found guilty in order to be able to pardon him for a swap. This is an especially bad precedent with a Trump 2.0 potentially around the corner. It invites winking and nodding from the executive.”

But Biden administration officials say securing the freedom of wrongfully detained Americans and hostages abroad requires difficult dealmaking.

Making this deal more palatable to the White House was Venezuela’s willingness to return Francis.

Nicknamed “Fat Leonard” for his bulging 6-foot-3 frame, Francis was arrested in a San Diego hotel nearly a decade ago as part of a federal sting operation. Investigators say he bilked the U.S. military out of more than $35 million by buying off dozens of top-ranking Navy officers with booze, sex, lavish parties and other gifts.

Three weeks before he faced sentencing in September 2022, Francis made an escape as stunning and brazen as the case itself as he snipped off his ankle monitor and disappeared. He was arrested by Venezuelan police attempting to board a flight from Caracas and has been in custody since.

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