US Seizes Venezuelan President Maduro’s Private Jet, Citing Sanctions Violations

The US Justice Department announced on Monday that it had seized a private jet belonging to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and transported it to Florida, CBS News reports.

The department alleges the plane was illegally exported from Florida in violation of US sanctions. The seized aircraft, identified as a Dassault Falcon 900EX, was apprehended in the Dominican Republic.

 “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,”Attorney General Merrick Garland said. He further emphasized, “The Department will continue to pursue those who violate our sanctions and export controls to prevent them from using American resources to undermine the national security of the United States.”

According to the Justice Department, Maduro’s associates arranged the purchase of the jet from a US company in South Florida in late 2022 and early 2023. The plane was then transported to the Caribbean and subsequently to Venezuela, violating US sanctions and export controls.

Since its acquisition, the jet has been used almost exclusively for travel to and from a military base in Venezuela, with Maduro and his representatives utilizing it for trips to other countries. Flight records indicate that the plane has been spotted at airports in China, Cuba, and Brazil since 2023.

The seizure comes amidst ongoing political turmoil in Venezuela. In June, Maduro declared victory in his presidential re-election campaign, but the US contested the results, alleging tampering. Last month, the US recognized Maduro’s opponent, Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo González, as the legitimate winner, rejecting the Venezuelan government’s declaration of Maduro’s victory.

In a related development, a judge issued an arrest warrant for González, 75, on Monday at the request of the Venezuelan government. This action is part of a criminal investigation into the results of the disputed election. González faces charges of conspiracy, falsifying documents, and usurpation of powers.

A spokesperson for the National Security Council stated that the US is “working to ensure that the will of the Venezuelan people, as expressed through the July 28 election, is respected,” and described the seizure of the plane as “an important step to ensure that Maduro continues to feel the consequences from his misgovernance of Venezuela.”