US Seizes Plane Belonging to Venezuelan President Maduro, DOJ Reports

The U.S. government has successfully seized a plane linked to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, according to a statement from the Justice Department released on Monday.

The plane was discovered in the Dominican Republic as part of an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Following the seizure, the aircraft was flown to Florida, and sources confirmed that Maduro was not on board.

This aircraft serves as the Venezuelan equivalent of Air Force One and is identified as a Dassault 900. Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that this seizure stems from allegations that the plane was illegally acquired for $13 million through a shell company before being smuggled out of the U.S. for Maduro’s use.

“This morning, the Justice Department seized an aircraft we allege was illegally purchased. The Department will continue to pursue those who violate our sanctions and export controls, ensuring that American resources are not misused to undermine national security,” Garland expressed in his statement.

Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury from HSI Miami also praised the operation. “The seizure of this aircraft is another significant action by Homeland Security Investigations in collaboration with domestic and international partners against the illegal activities of the Maduro regime,” he noted.

A spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council also confirmed the seizure, referring to the aircraft as one utilized by Maduro and his associates.

In recent developments, concerns have arisen regarding the legitimacy of the results from Venezuela’s July 28 presidential election, which Maduro claimed to have won. The spokesperson indicated that multiple independent sources have reported irregularities in the election process, alleging that Maduro and his representatives tampered with the results and engaged in widespread repression to cling to power.

Furthermore, a member of Venezuela’s National Electoral Council recently remarked that Maduro has failed to provide credible evidence to support his victory claim in the presidential election. This has prompted the U.S., alongside allies, to advocate for the respect of the Venezuelan people’s wishes as expressed in the electoral process.

“Today, the U.S. Department of Justice took action to enforce U.S. sanctions by seizing an aircraft linked to Maduro and his representatives. This step is critical in ensuring that Maduro continues to feel the ramifications of his misgovernance in Venezuela,” the spokesperson added.

CNN was the first to report on this notable seizure of Maduro’s plane, highlighting a continued effort by the United States to address misconduct associated with the Venezuelan leader.