Ex-Maduro Ally Pleads Guilty in US to $195M Money Laundering Scheme

A former ally of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro pleaded guilty in a US court to laundering $195 million, capping a years-long saga that included a high-profile prisoner swap. The plea validates earlier reporting on corruption within Venezuela's state food program, CLAP. This marks a notable legal victory for US prosecutors and adds pressure on the Maduro regime, though its direct market impact is limited.