US Seizes $13 Million Private Jet Allegedly Used by Maduro
The United States confiscated a Dassault Falcon 900EX private jet worth $13 million, believed to have been utilized by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his officials. The seizure occurred in the Dominican Republic, with the aircraft later flown to Florida.
The US accused Maduro’s associates of illicitly purchasing and exporting the jet through a shell company, infringing upon sanctions and export regulations. The plane had been primarily flying to and from a military base in Venezuela since May 2023.
President Maduro denounced the seizure as “piracy” orchestrated by US authorities, while the US asserted it was a response to sanctions violations against Maduro’s government, accusing it of corruption and economic mismanagement. Maduro was not present on the confiscated aircraft.
The US has imposed extensive sanctions on Maduro’s administration and backs Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the legitimate president, alleging electoral fraud in the July presidential election. The Biden administration deems the election unfair.
The situation in Venezuela has driven millions of migrants to the US-Mexico border, with 7.7 million fleeing Venezuela since 2014. US officials claim Maduro exploits the Venezuelan people for personal gain.
The US has intercepted other luxury vehicles destined for Venezuela and doubts the validity of Maduro’s reelection, recognizing his rival, Edmundo González, as the victor. The Department of Commerce and Department of Homeland Security are probing the case, and the Venezuelan government can appeal the plane’s seizure.
