U.S. Seizes Plane of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro Over Sanctions

The U.S. government has confiscated a plane owned by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and transported it to the United States, according to a statement from the Justice Department. This action was taken because the aircraft was allegedly exported from Florida in violation of U.S. sanctions.

The aircraft, a Dassault Falcon 900EX, was seized in the Dominican Republic before being brought to Florida. Attorney General Merrick Garland stated, “This morning, the Justice Department seized an aircraft we allege was illegally purchased for $13 million through a shell company and smuggled out of the United States for use by Nicolás Maduro and his cronies.” He reiterated that the Department would continue to pursue sanctions violators to prevent them from using American assets that could jeopardize national security.

The Justice Department’s statement clarified that Maduro’s associates orchestrated the purchase of the jet from a U.S. company located in South Florida for $13 million in late 2022 or early 2023. The plane was then sent to the Caribbean and subsequently into Venezuela, representing a breach of U.S. sanctions and export controls.

Since arriving in Venezuela, the aircraft has reportedly been utilized primarily for travel to and from a military base and has served the needs of Maduro and his associates, including transporting Maduro during his international trips. Flight records indicate that the jet has been spotted at airports in China, Cuba, and Brazil since 2023.

This news comes shortly after Maduro declared a victory in what many, including the U.S., considered a contentious presidential reelection. The United States and several other nations have accused Maduro of manipulating election results. Just last month, the U.S. recognized Edmundo González, Maduro’s opposition rival, as the legitimate winner of the election, dismissing Maduro’s claim to have been reelected.

On the same day that the plane was seized, a judge issued an arrest warrant for González, 75, at the request of the Venezuelan government amid a criminal investigation regarding the disputed presidential election results. González, a former diplomat, is facing numerous charges, including conspiracy, falsifying official documents, and usurpation of powers.

A representative from the National Security Council emphasized the U.S. commitment to uphold the decision of the Venezuelan populace as articulated in the July 28 election. They described the confiscation of the plane as a significant measure to ensure that Maduro faces repercussions for his poor governance of Venezuela.

With ongoing allegations surrounding electoral integrity and the actions of Maduro’s administration, the situation in Venezuela remains complex and multifaceted. As international actors respond to this crisis, U.S. economic measures and sanctions continue to exert pressure on Maduro and his associates in an attempt to influence change within the country.

The seizure of the aircraft exemplifies the U.S. government’s commitment to counteracting what it perceives as violations of its sanctions policy against the Maduro regime.