The US is launching a second criminal investigation against Venezuela's former president, Nicolas Maduro
The United States is conducting a second criminal investigation against the former president of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, and the action could also end with new charges, Reuters reports, citing sources.
Nicolas Maduro in handcuffs PHOTO: X
A second criminal investigation is underway by the United States against Venezuela's former leader Nicolas Maduro, and this indicates the possibility that he may be charged with new crimes, two sources told Reuters.
The investigation is led by the Federal Prosecutor's Office in Miami and was started several months ago, the sources also told Reuters, under the protection of anonymity.
The second investigation was already underway when US President Donald Trump ordered a military raid that captured the Venezuelan leader earlier this year.
One of the sources told Reuters the investigation looked into possible allegations of money laundering.
According to CBS News, the new investigation comes as Alex Saab, a close business associate of Maduro who served as Venezuela's minister of industry and national production, was deported to the US. He was indicted for his alleged role in a money laundering plot involving a Venezuelan food aid program.
Former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has already been charged in federal court in Manhattan with conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism and other crimes related to alleged drug trafficking. He pleaded not guilty and is currently in a Brooklyn jail.
