Delcy Rodriguez’s government extradited former minister Alex Saab, according to the government itself, to the United States, the country seeking him and where he could play a decisive role in the trial former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is facing there.

According to U.S. prosecutors, Saab allegedly participated in schemes involving government contracts, gold exports, imports of subsidized food, and international money transfers intended to financially sustain Chavismo amid the sanctions imposed by Washington.

Sources close to the case maintain that the businessman could provide relevant information about how Venezuelan resources were moved through companies in different countries and who participated in alleged money laundering operations, and he could be key in the case against Maduro, who is accused in the United States of conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism and other federal crimes.

The possibility that Saab may decide to cooperate with U.S. prosecutors is causing concern among former members of Chavismo. For years, the businessman was part of the Venezuelan power structure’s inner circle and had access to sensitive negotiations related to oil, food, gold, and international agreements promoted by Caracas.