U. S. Opens New Probe Into Former Venezuelan Leader

The United States is starting a second criminal investigation into former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, which could lead to more charges against him. A U. S. Justice Department employee and another insider said the probe is being handled by the Miami office of the U. S. Attorney’s Office and has been running for several months. The investigation began while President Donald Trump ordered the military operation that took Maduro and his wife into custody in January. The Miami case is looking at possible money‑laundering activities that might involve Maduro. It is not yet clear whether this will result in new indictments, but it gives the Justice Department a backup plan if problems arise with the existing New York case. In that case, Maduro has already been charged in Manhattan for drug‑related conspiracy and other crimes linked to narcoterrorism. He has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial in a Brooklyn jail.The New York indictment was used as the legal basis for the raid that removed Maduro from power in Caracas. Trump has hinted that more charges could follow. The same Miami office recently announced money‑laundering charges against Alex Saab, a close Maduro ally, and is expected to file a case against former Cuban president Raul Castro over 1996 plane incidents. Maduro’s arrest and deportation illustrate a growing partnership between U. S. and Venezuelan law‑enforcement agencies, especially under the leadership of acting president Delcy Rodriguez, Maduro’s former vice‑president. The new investigation may strengthen U. S. efforts to hold Venezuelan officials accountable.