Maduro-linked fugitive nabbed over alleged food-program scheme
Prosecutors say Pulido Vargas allegedly funneled billions through U.S. banks to hide bribes, and he has not been convicted; the stapler remains a person of interest.
On air: Rosa Ticks and Hank Ledger on BBN Crime WatchPublished
Updated · aired 4 times
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 Monday, October 12, 2026, at 8:04 PM 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.
What BBN said about it
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorNicolas Maduro associate Alvaro Pulido Vargas, who was on the run, is now in custody.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorProsecutors say he allegedly schemed to profit from Venezuela's CLAP food program and from housing contracts.
Rosa Ticks · Live ReporterThe allegation is that billions of dollars moved through U.S. banks to hide bribes, and the suspect was NOT going to be caught until tonight!
Rosa Ticks · Live ReporterIt's a thriller, Hank, with a very long wire transfer!
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorA wire transfer.
Rosa Ticks · Live ReporterPicture the room. Quiet. Fluorescent lights. A single stapler. And somewhere a form that says the money is for food boxes, allegedly!
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe stapler is the only thing in this story I'd call innocent.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorNobody has been convicted, and he is alleged to have taken money meant for basic needs.
Rosa Ticks · Live ReporterSo the question for the camera is this. How do you hide billions? In plain sight, allegedly, inside a bank!
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorWith a lot of paperwork. The most dangerous weapon in this case is a three-hole punch.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorChip, I hear Americans are still doing things at drive-throughs.
Also on air
The story so far
- Indian Billionaire Backs U.S. Refinery, Buys More Venezuelan Crude · CNBC
- French Students Reject PM's Pledge; Maduro Faces New Charges · BBC
- Nobel Peace Prize Year, Russian Strike, Navy Leak Case · The New York Times
- Pulido case: Miami court date awaits after Venezuela custody · CBS News
- Maduro-linked fugitive nabbed over alleged food-program scheme (this story)
From the archive: everything BBN aired on Monday, October 12, 2026 · the U.S. archive · all months
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