The United States seized Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s plane in the Dominican Republic and flew it to Florida, citing violations of US sanctions. The Dassault Falcon 900EX jet, used by Maduro and his government, was deemed “illegally purchased” and smuggled out of the US for their use.
Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that the plane, acquired through a shell company for $13 million, was confiscated for its connection to Maduro and his associates. The aircraft, tracked by Flightradar24, landed in Fort Lauderdale after departing from Santo Domingo.
Venezuela condemned the seizure as “piracy,” accusing the US of engaging in criminal acts. The foreign ministry in Caracas criticized the US authorities for their actions. The US claims that Maduro’s affiliates utilized a Caribbean shell company to conceal their involvement in buying the jet illegally in late 2022 and early 2023.