The Stolen Cargo Plane: A Diplomatic Dispute
Accusations are flying between Caracas and Buenos Aires as Venezuela opens a criminal investigation into Argentine President Javier Milei for the alleged illegal transfer of a seized cargo plane to the US. The Boeing 747-300FM, originally bought from Iran’s Mahan Air, was confiscated by Argentine authorities in 2022 at the request of the US due to export restrictions on Iran. Venezuela claims Argentina violated international law and demands compensation, even going as far as closing airspace to Argentine flights.
Venezuelan Prosecutor General Tarek Saab announced the probe, appointing prosecutors to process arrest warrants for Milei, his sister Karina Milei, and Argentine Security Minister Patricia Bullrich. Saab alleges seven crimes under Venezuelan law, including aggravated theft and money laundering. The impounded aircraft was handed over to the US in 2024, enraging Venezuela. The Argentine government defends the action, citing clearance by its judiciary and a bilateral treaty with the US.
Milei, an anarcho-capitalist president, has vowed to strengthen ties with the US. He previously accused Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of human rights abuses, leading to a war of words between the two leaders.
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