We got this! U.S. seizes Nicolás Maduro’s plane

U.S. seizes Nicolás Maduro’s plane

The U.S. government has seized a Dassault Falcon 900EX aircraft used by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, citing violations of sanctions and export control laws.

The plane was allegedly purchased through a shell company and smuggled out of the U.S. to Venezuela in April 2023, circumventing an executive order that prohibits transactions with the Maduro regime.

The seizure occurred in the Dominican Republic, and the aircraft has since been transferred to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. U.S. officials claim that the plane, valued at approximately $13 million, was used for Maduro’s international travels, including trips to Guyana and Cuba earlier this year. The operation was part of a broader effort to enforce sanctions against Maduro and his associates.

The Commerce Department reportedly  emphasized that this action serves as a warning against the illegal acquisition of aircraft by sanctioned officials. The plane had also reportedly been involved in a high-profile prisoner swap involving American detainees in December 2023.

Sources:
[1] US government seizes plane used by Venezuela’s president
[2] US seizes plane used by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro
[3] Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s plane lands in US
[4] US seizes Venezuelan president’s plane in Dominican Republic