The Daily Journal — A Florida court has scheduled the start of former minister Alex Saab’s trial for September 8. U.S. prosecutors charge him with money laundering, conspiracy to conduct financial transactions, and concealing the origin of illicit funds.
Saab, whom authorities identify as an alleged frontman for Nicolás Maduro, recently entered a not guilty plea before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
Federal Judge Lauren F. Louis stated in her order that the two-week jury trial will move to a later date if it cannot take place during the scheduled period, according to EFE.
On July 24, attorneys representing the Colombian businessman requested a jury trial.
As part of the pretrial schedule, Judge Louis set a virtual hearing for both parties on September 1.
Venezuelan authorities transferred Saab to U.S. custody in May. He had served as Nicolás Maduro’s minister of industries since 2024.
According to the indictment, Saab used shell companies, fraudulent invoices, and falsified shipping records to report fake imports from Colombia and Mexico, allowing him to divert funds intended to assist vulnerable populations.
Court records also state that, beginning in 2019, the financial conspiracy expanded its commercial operations to circumvent the effects of economic sanctions that restricted the country’s energy exports.
If a jury finds him guilty, Alex Saab could receive a sentence of up to 20 years in a U.S. federal prison.
