Álex Saab: This is the United States’ plan so that he does not escape – Investigative Unit

In recent hours, it has been shown that the Barranquilla Álex Saab Morán is no mere contractor to the Nicolás Maduro regime. His appointment as permanent and plenipotentiary Ambassador to Africa – revealed by EL TIEMPO – confirmed the importance this has for Maduro, who is desperately trying to grant him immunity prior to his extradition to the United States.

(We invite you to read: Nicolás Maduro has everything ready to bring Álex Saab to Ethiopia)

The diplomatic move to favor the well-known figurehead of the Venezuelan dictator was rejected by the Trump administration. But it began to confirm what had been rumored until now.

The New York Times newspaper noted a few days ago that the San Jacinto missile cruiser was on a military mission in Cape Verde to stop Saab from fleeing and that he had already withdrawn from the area.

(You may be interested: Cape Verde raids offices of executives involved in Saab case)

However, EL TIEMPO affirmed that it was not an isolated event and that, in addition to judicial moves, the United States is employing discreet military tactics around a plot that goes beyond shady millionaire contracts signed by Saab or hiding gold and dollars stolen by the regime.

To federal agents, it is clear that Maduro’s attempt to protect Saab is due to the fact that the Barranquilla holds the keys to secret agreements with Iran, Turkey and even Russia, which could undermine the security of the United States and the region.

In fact, Iran came out 5 days ago to accuse the Trump administration of conducting provocative military maneuvers across the region with bombers that could scale.

(Also: What does the US say about Saab being Maduro’s plenipotentiary ambassador?)

“The warship San Jacinto has already moved from those coordinates. But I can confirm that another cruise ship has arrived to replace it and at the moment another is approaching from the North Atlantic “a federal source from the United States told this newspaper.

Monitoring

And he added that while they are conducting alternate missions in the area, surveillance around Saab is one of them. Moreover, that for the same purpose there are several agents in your country’s embassy in Cape Verde, the oldest diplomatic mission in that island country.

EL TIEMPO also confirmed that two friendly European countries have been supporting surveillance in the area since June, when Saab was imprisoned in transit to Iran, where he began to trade gasoline, food and medicine in the face of the pandemic, but also the aggressive blockade gringo. .

(In context: Cape Verde denies home jail to Álex Saab and disputes verdict)

“One of those countries has a ship in nearby waters that is intended to monitor communications. Like our cruise ships, they have satellites and technology, ”the source explained.

And he added that it was thanks to this monitoring that an Iranian plane was detected that Cape Verde refused the residence permit. Unconfirmed information says the plane then took off for Venezuela, without the cargo it wanted: Saab.

By then, Venezuela was already asking that Saab, through a humanitarian gesture, be allowed to spend the end-of-year holidays with his family. Or at least get house arrest by the West African Court of Justice (Cedeao).

(On the topic: Maduro warns Cape Verde against detaining Álex Saab)

In a cocktail of legal-diplomatic arguments, Saab’s defense says deadlines are already expiring, without defining their situation. And that Saab is a diplomat with immunity.

The issue began to move with more force as the San Jacinto left Cape Verde waters. They even managed to propose opening a diplomatic headquarters in that country so that Saab could use it as a home prison.

Procrastination

Parallel to the military panel, Justice Department officials have already responded to concerns raised by the Cape Verde Supreme Court over Saab’s extradition.

Among other things, the memorials state why some of the charges on which the extradition request was initially based were dropped. These are related to Colombian brothers Reinaldo and José Slebi, who – as revealed by EL TIEMPO – enabled a vehicle for Saab to bring money into the United States’ financial system.

When the judicial vacancy is lifted on January 15, 2021, the file will leave the Court of Appeal, again to the Supreme Court, for final decision. And it’s clear that while this is happening, the United States doesn’t want any surprises.

Biden and retroactive

In fact, the incoming US administration is already aware of the two boards on which the case is set and of the strategic and geopolitical importance of Saab’s extradition.

But it remains to be seen whether the Biden government will follow that line and even step up the pressure.

(It may be of interest to you: Álex Saab accuses Cape Verde of circumventing orders to get him out of prison)

Meanwhile, Saab remains under surveillance. And it is clear that both the regime and its lawyers – including former Judge Baltasar Garzón – will continue to fight the legal battle.

“And no one would rule out a squadron arriving in Cape Verde to arrest or kill him for what they know,” a federal source told EL TIEMPO without hesitation.

(You might be interested: DEA follows two former allies of Álex Saab in Barranquilla)

At the moment, Saab’s lawyers continue to search for case law to show that the immunity granted him by his new position is retroactive.

“Contrary to the misleading position of the United States, the principle of diplomatic immunity is retroactively recognized by federal courts in the United States,” his defense said.

(In context: The Bogota woman in the DEA’s crosshairs for twists and turns with Álex Saab)

And while the United States qualifies that appointment as a false move, to no effect, the defense says there are two instances where courts refused to question certification of diplomatic status, despite the individuals not holding those positions at the time. of the alleged irregularities.Saab, for its part, spent its first New Year in a 2 by 2 meter cell, with limited communication and the title of Ambassador Plenipotentiary.

What is the rendition about?

In Cape Verde, the judicial vacancy will be lifted on 15 January. That Friday, Álex Saab’s file, which was returned to the Court of Appeal, returns to the Supreme Court for the final decision.

But his lawyers again took Cape Verde to the West African Court of Justice to enforce his house arrest. And now, as Ambassador Plenipotentiary of Venezuela, they will demand immediate freedom under penalty of fines for Cape Verde.

RESEARCH UNIT
[email protected]
On Twitter: @BuienRadarNL