The U.S. Department of Justice seized a plane belonging to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, a Dassault Falcon 900EX, on Monday, claiming it was illegally purchased for $13 million through a shell company and smuggled out of the United States in violation of U.S. sanctions. The plane was seized in the Dominican Republic and transported to Florida. Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that the Department will continue to pursue those who violate sanctions and export controls to prevent them from using American resources to undermine national security.
Maduro’s associates arranged to purchase the jet from a U.S. company in south Florida in late 2022 and early 2023. The plane was then shipped to the Caribbean and later to Venezuela in violation of U.S. sanctions and export controls. The jet has since been used almost exclusively to transport Maduro and his representatives between Venezuela and other countries, including visits to China, Cuba, and Brazil since 2023, according to online flight records. The seizure of Maduro’s plane comes amid ongoing political unrest in Venezuela, with the U.S. not recognizing Maduro’s victory in the recent presidential election and instead supporting Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo González as the winner.
Reuters first reported the seizure of Maduro’s plane. In response, a spokesperson for the National Security Council stated that the U.S. is working to ensure the will of the Venezuelan people, as expressed through the recent election, is respected. The spokesperson highlighted that the seizure of the plane is an important step in holding Maduro accountable for his misgovernance of Venezuela. This move indicates the U.S. government’s commitment to supporting the Venezuelan opposition and pressuring Maduro to uphold democratic principles.
The seizure of Maduro’s plane represents a significant escalation in tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, with the U.S. accusing Maduro of violating sanctions and export controls to acquire the jet. The U.S. has taken action to prevent Maduro and his associates from using American resources to undermine national security. The seizure of the plane is part of a broader effort by the U.S. to hold Maduro accountable for his actions and support the Venezuelan opposition in their efforts to restore democratic governance in the country.
The U.S. government’s seizure of the jet is likely to further strain relations between the two countries, especially as Maduro has already faced criticism for his handling of the recent election. The U.S. decision to recognize the opposition candidate as the winner has sparked controversy and raised concerns about potential backlash from Maduro’s government. As tensions continue to escalate, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what impact it will have on the political landscape in Venezuela and the broader region.
Overall, the seizure of Maduro’s plane is a significant development in the ongoing political turmoil in Venezuela and the U.S.’s efforts to support democratic principles in the region. By taking action against Maduro’s alleged violations of sanctions and export controls, the U.S. is sending a clear message that it will hold accountable those who threaten national security. The seizure of the plane underscores the U.S. government’s commitment to supporting the Venezuelan opposition and working towards a peaceful resolution to the country’s political crisis.
