The United States announced on Sunday the capture of Colombian businessman Álvaro Pulido Vargas, a former associate of Alex Saab. Pulido is accused of engaging in multimillion-dollar money laundering and bribery schemes linked to Nicolás Maduro's government in Venezuela.
For years, Pulido had been sought by U.S. authorities and now faces two federal indictments filed in Miami in 2019 and 2021. These charges relate to alleged corruption operations involving government contracts for the supply of essential goods such as food, medicine, and housing.
U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche revealed the arrest on his X account, noting that the operation was carried out by the Homeland Security Task Force.
"His alleged actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the Venezuelan people," Blanche stated, accusing Pulido of exploiting programs intended to meet basic needs for personal gain.
The U.S. had previously offered a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to Pulido's capture or conviction.
According to the Associated Press, the arrest resulted from a collaborative investigation involving the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the FBI, and the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Nicole Navas Oxman, spokesperson for the Homeland Security Task Force, confirmed that Pulido is currently in U.S. custody and is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Tuesday, October 13, in Miami. However, details regarding how he came into U.S. custody or the circumstances of his transfer remain undisclosed.
The Connection to Alex Saab and Venezuelan State Deals
For many years, Pulido was a partner of Colombian businessman Alex Saab, known for his close ties with Nicolás Maduro's administration and involvement in state-related business dealings.
According to U.S. prosecutors, Pulido and Saab allegedly used a network of shell companies abroad to funnel bribes to Venezuelan officials in exchange for lucrative contracts meant for importing food, medicines, and materials for affordable housing.
The investigations encompass operations tied to the CLAP food distribution program initiated in Venezuela during its economic crisis.
Pulido's arrest comes nearly five months after the Venezuelan government, led by Delcy Rodríguez, extradited Alex Saab to U.S. authorities on May 16, 2026.
Saab was deported from Venezuela and transferred under the custody of U.S. federal agents to Miami, where he faced new charges of money laundering and conspiracy.
On September 15, Saab pleaded guilty in a federal court in Miami to conspiring to launder monetary instruments in a scheme involving food and medicine contracts.
As part of his plea agreement, he agreed to cooperate with U.S. investigations and forfeit $195 million in illicit profits. His sentencing is scheduled for January 20, 2027.
So far, authorities have not confirmed whether Pulido's arrest is a result of Saab's judicial cooperation.
Insights into the Arrest of Álvaro Pulido
What are the charges against Álvaro Pulido?
Álvaro Pulido faces charges of money laundering and bribery related to government contracts for supplying essentials in Venezuela.
What was the role of Alex Saab in the schemes?
Alex Saab, a close associate of Nicolás Maduro, allegedly used shell companies with Pulido to channel bribes for contracts in Venezuela.
How did U.S. forces capture Álvaro Pulido?
The capture of Álvaro Pulido was the result of a joint investigation by the DEA, FBI, and HSI, although the exact circumstances remain undisclosed.