U.S. Seizes Plane Linked to Venezuelan President Maduro Amid Sanctions Violation

The U.S. government has seized a plane used by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, citing violations of sanctions and export control laws. The Dassault Falcon 900EX was illegally purchased, smuggled through a shell company, and eventually transferred to federal custody. This move underscores ongoing tensions and international condemnation of Maduro's regime.

The U.S. government has confiscated a plane used by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, officials confirmed, citing illegal acquisition and smuggling through a shell company, breaching sanctions and export control laws. The Dassault Falcon 900EX was seized in the Dominican Republic and moved to federal custody in Florida, according to the Justice Department.

U.S. officials detailed that associates of Maduro employed a Caribbean-based shell company to obscure their involvement in the plane's $13 million purchase from a Florida company. The aircraft was clandestinely exported to Venezuela in April 2023, circumventing an executive order prohibiting U.S. transactions with Maduro's representatives.

This aircraft has supported Maduro's foreign engagements, including trips to Guyana and Cuba. Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized its smuggling for use by "Maduro and his cronies." State media depicted Maduro and officials arriving in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for territorial discussions. Assistant Secretary Matthew Axelrod warned that illegally obtained aircraft can't freely exploit U.S. resources.

(With inputs from agencies.)