Tareck El Aissami rejects extradition during Pdvsa-Cripto trial

Former Venezuelan Vice President and Oil Minister Tareck El Aissami stated during a court session on Wednesday that he does not wish to be extradited and will not renounce his Venezuelan nationality. His comments come amid speculation regarding a potential handover to the United States, which has sought him for years over allegations of narcotics trafficking, money laundering, and sanctions evasion.

El Aissami has been detained since April 2024 in connection with the Pdvsa-Cripto corruption case. This scheme involved the irregular sale of oil using crypto-assets, which prosecutors claim caused billions of dollars in damages. During recent proceedings, prosecutors reportedly added new charges against him, including misappropriation of resources, illicit trafficking of strategic materials, and money laundering.

The legal debate follows the recent deportation of Colombian businessman Alvaro Pulido Vargas to the United States. While the Venezuelan Constitution prohibits the extradition of its citizens, legal experts have noted the distinction between deportation and extradition in recent high-profile cases.