Fugitive linked to Nicolas Maduro arrested in U.S. corruption case

A fugitive linked to the regime of Nicolas Maduro is in U.S. custody on federal corruption charges, Fox News reported. Alvaro Pulido Vargas, a 62-year-old Colombian national, was arrested during an operation conducted by the Homeland Security Task Force. The U.S. Justice Department announced that he is scheduled to appear in a South Florida federal court on Tuesday, Oct. 13. [1]

According to Fox News, Pulido Vargas faces two criminal cases alleging he funneled money from Venezuelan bribery schemes through banks in the United States to conceal illicit profits. Prosecutors allege that he exploited Venezuela's CLAP food program and housing contracts to enrich himself, routing billions through American financial institutions. [1]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, former President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were previously charged with drug and weapons offenses following their capture in January 2026. Federal prosecutors in Manhattan unsealed an indictment alleging that Maduro and senior officials conspired with Colombian guerrilla groups to traffic cocaine into the United States. [2][5]

Venezuela's economy was impacted by socialist policies introduced under Hugo Chavez, which contributed to hyperinflation, shortages of basic supplies, and economic contraction. U.S. prosecutors allege that corruption schemes like the one involving Pulido Vargas systematically exploited state-funded programs meant to assist the population. [1][4]