U.S. Government Seizes Plane Linked to Nicolás Maduro Amid Sanctions Enforcement

U.S. Government Seizes Plane Linked to Nicolás Maduro

The U.S. government has taken action against a private airplane associated with Nicolás Maduro, the controversial leader of Venezuela. On Monday, the aircraft was seized and transported to Florida, as it was acquired in violation of existing U.S. sanctions, according to a statement released by the Justice Department.

The Biden administration is intensifying efforts to apply pressure on Maduro, particularly in light of his attempts to undermine the results of the recent presidential election in Venezuela, as mentioned by officials from the White House.

According to the Justice Department’s statement, the seized aircraft is a Dassault Falcon 900EX that was owned and operated by Maduro and his associates. The plane had been taken to the Dominican Republic for maintenance before U.S. authorities arranged for it to be flown to Florida. The aircraft was reportedly purchased in the United States for a staggering $13 million through a shell company and was subsequently “smuggled” out of the country for the use of Maduro and his allies, as noted by U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland.

The operation was led by the Justice Department, with significant assistance from the Department of Homeland Security. The Commerce Department also played a role in this extensive operation.

In a statement, Matthew S. Axelrod, the assistant secretary for export enforcement at the Commerce Department, asserted, “Let this seizure send a clear message: Aircraft illegally acquired from the United States for the benefit of sanctioned Venezuelan officials cannot just fly off into the sunset.”

On Monday, video footage aired by CNN showcased the aircraft—a sleek white jet adorned with red stripes—sitting on a tarmac in Florida, emphasizing the significant actions taken by U.S. authorities to enforce sanctions and uphold international law.