Venezuela’s government has said it deported a close ally of former President Nicolas Maduro to the United States.

Axar.az reports, citing NBC, Saab was transferred to face judicial proceedings in the U.S. due to ongoing criminal investigations.

The statement did not specify his destination but confirmed the decision was linked to American legal cases.

Saab had previously been a close associate of Maduro and was widely described by U.S. officials as his “bag man.” He was earlier detained in 2020 and later released in a prisoner exchange in 2023 after receiving clemency from then-President Joe Biden.

The latest move is seen as a major shift, as Maduro had previously campaigned vigorously for Saab’s return to Venezuela. Rеports suggest he could now be required to testify in U.S. investigations related to alleged corruption, sanctions evasion, and government contracts.

U.S. authorities have not yet issued an official comment on the latest developments.