CARACAS (Reuters) -Businessman Alex Saab, a close ally of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro who was freed in a prisoner exchange with the United States last year, has been named as industry minister, Maduro said on Friday in a social media post.

Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro on Friday appointed controversial businessman Alex Saab as the country’s minister of industry and production, despite the charges that had been brought against him in the United States for allegedly running a massive corruption and money-laundering scheme.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro said on Friday in a social media post that businessman Alex Saab has been appointed industry minister, replacing Pedro Tellechea. Saab, a close ally of Maduro, was freed in a prisoner exchange with the United States late last year,

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Friday appointed to his Cabinet a close ally who was pardoned by U.S. President Joe Biden last year as part of a prisoner swap and following assurances that Venezuela would hold a fair presidential election in 2024.

Shugaba Nicolas Maduro na Venezuela ya nada wani na hannun daman shi cikin majalisar zartaswa, wanda shugaban Amurka Joe Biden yayiwa afuwa a bara, a wani musayar bursunoni, biyo bayan tabbacin cewa,

- Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, left, and Alex Saab embrace during an event marking the anniversary of the 1958 coup that overthrew dictator Marcos Perez Jimenez, in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 23,