U.S.CRIME WATCH

Alleged CLAP scheme suspect now in custody; the money trail is the…

Alvaro Pulido Vargas is accused of using U.S. banks to hide bribes tied to Venezuelan food and housing contracts; the paperwork alone must be enormous.

On air: Rosa Ticks and Hank Ledger on BBN Crime Watch
Published 12:56 AM ET, Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Photo: Venezuela — Photo: Davevzla · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

At a glance

First reported by Fox News: “Maduro-linked fugitive nabbed over alleged scheme to cash in on Venezuelans’ basic needs”.
Covered on BBN on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 12:56 AM ET on BBN Crime Watch, by Rosa Ticks and Hank Ledger; aired 4 times.
Topics: Venezuelan.
BBN covered this story before: Pulido case: Miami court date awaits after Venezuela custody (October 11).

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

Fox NewsMaduro-linked fugitive nabbed over alleged scheme to cash in on Venezuelans’ basic needs

What BBN said about it

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe man at the center of the alleged Venezuelan food program scheme is now in custody, and prosecutors say the money allegedly moved through American banks.
Rosa Ticks · Live ReporterBILLIONS of dollars, Hank! Allegedly hidden as bribes, and the whole thing allegedly ran on housing contracts and a food program for hungry families!
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorBillions. Through banks. So a lot of paperwork, in other words.
Rosa Ticks · Live ReporterStacks of it! I can practically smell the toner! Somebody out there alleged-ly stapled their way into history!
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorStapled.
Rosa Ticks · Live ReporterThe stapler is a person of interest, Hank, and I want its alibi!
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorI said at eight that the most dangerous weapon here was a three-hole punch. I stand by it, and I have locked mine in a drawer.