Federal prosecutors open new criminal probe into Maduro, sources say

Updated on: May 19, 2026 / 1:03 PM EDT / CBS News

Federal prosecutors open new criminal probe into Maduro, sources say

TL;DR

  • Federal prosecutors in Miami are opening a new criminal investigation into detained former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
  • The new probe is reportedly due to concerns that the pending prosecution against Maduro in New York is weak.
  • This comes as Alex Saab, a close associate of Maduro, was indicted for alleged money laundering related to a Venezuelan public welfare food program (CLAP).
  • Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, face narco-trafficking and firearms charges in New York, to which they have pleaded not guilty.
  • Prosecutors believe Saab controls some of Maduro's money, making his activities of significant interest.
  • Efforts to link Venezuelan leaders to financial crimes in the U.S. have been challenging due to difficulties in tracing accounts and money flows.