U.S. official entities confiscate Maduro's presidential aircraft.
The United States takes action against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's authoritarian regime by seizing one of his luxury planes. According to reports, the Dassault Falcon 900EX jet, belonging to Maduro and his associates, was illegally acquired for $13 million through a shell company and illicitly taken out of the US. The US Department of Justice confirmed the seizure in the Dominican Republic and transported it to Florida.
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland issued a statement, asserting that the plane was intended for Maduro and his close allies, who were in violation of American sanctions and export controls. A spokesperson from the U.S. Department of Commerce made it clear that, regardless of the upscale nature of the private jet or the powerful individuals linked to it, the U.S. is unyielding in its efforts to recover any aircraft unlawfully smuggled out of their territory.
The aircraft was shipped from the U.S. to Venezuela in April 2023 by traveling through the Caribbean, in an attempt to bypass restrictions that prohibited U.S. citizens from doing business with Maduro's regime. CNN referred to the plane as Venezuela's "Air Force One," and it is said that Maduro utilized it for foreign travels, meeting with world leaders.
The U.S. still denies Maduro's controversial re-election, despite the Venezuelan Supreme Court's confirmation of his victory in the July 28 presidential election. The loyalist electoral body proclaimed Maduro the winner, but has yet to release the official results, citing a cyberattack. The opposition is accusing the government of vote-rigging and declaring their candidate, Edmundo González, the winner.
The seized aircraft was a Dassault Falcon 900EX jet, which is a high-end model commonly used for luxury travel. Despite being a private jet, the U.S. Department of Commerce maintains a firm stance against the unlawful import or export of such aircraft, especially when involved in sanctioned activities.
