The United States has seized a plane used by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, determining that its purchase violated U.S. sanctions. The Dassault Falcon 900EX aircraft was illegally purchased for $13 million through a shell company and smuggled out of the U.S. The seizure came amid pressure on Maduro over a contested election he claimed to have won. U.S. officials worked closely with the Dominican Republic to carry out the seizure. The White House Security Council portrayed the seizure as a consequence for Maduro’s alleged tampering with the election and repression to maintain power. The Justice Department investigation revealed that people affiliated with Maduro used a Caribbean-based shell company to conceal their involvement in the purchase of the aircraft. Since being illegally exported from the U.S. to Venezuela, the plane has been used to transport Maduro and his representatives to other countries. This seizure sends a clear message that aircraft acquired from the U.S. for the benefit of sanctioned Venezuelan officials cannot just fly off into the sunset. The Venezuelan government did not immediately respond to the seizure.
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Venezuelan President’s Plane Seized by US in Dominican Republic
