U.S. seizes plane used by Venezuelan President Maduro, citing sanctions violation
The U.S. Justice Department announced the seizure of a plane used by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, alleging a violation of U.S. sanctions. The Dassault Falcon 900EX aircraft, allegedly purchased illegally for $13 million through a shell company, was transported from the Dominican Republic to Florida. U.S. officials emphasized that aircraft acquired illegally for sanctioned Venezuelan officials cannot be allowed to operate freely.
Venezuela condemned the seizure as “piracy” by U.S. authorities, while the Justice Department revealed details of a 2022-2023 investigation showing how the aircraft was illegally exported from the U.S. to Venezuela. This plane, used by Maduro and his associates for international travel, has been linked to a Caribbean-based shell company to conceal ownership.