Venezuela Sends Fugitive Fat Leonard and 10 Jailed Americans in Swap for Alex Saab

On December 21, 2023, the United States and Venezuela agreed to a major exchange of prisoners, which has significance for the state of U.S.-Venezuelan relations.  The U.S. released Alex Saab, a close ally of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in exchange for 10 jailed Americans and a fugitive defense contractor known as “Fat Leonard,” who has been convicted in U.S. District Court in San Diego for corruption involving the U.S. Navy.