Venezuela Arrests Former Oil Minister Tellechea

Venezuelan authorities have arrested former Oil Minister Pedro Tellechea, accused of committing grave crimes against national interests by handing over control of the state oil company PDVSA's critical systems to a firm allegedly linked to U.S. intelligence. Attorney General Tarek Saab announced Tellechea's detainment on Monday, just days after his resignation, which he attributed to health issues. The arrest is part of a broader government purge following President Nicolás Maduro's contentious reelection, with Tellechea's close aides also being apprehended. Saab's statements emphasized the legal compliance of the judicial actions taken against Tellechea, who had served until August before being replaced by Vice President Delcy Rodríguez. This situation has raised concerns about political stability and the integrity of Venezuela's oil sector. Tellechea's successor, Alex Saab, is a known ally of Maduro and was previously released from U.S. custody amid controversy.