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Exclusive: US confiscates the jet of Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro in the Dominican Republic
In a bold move, the United States seized the private jet of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro for violating US sanctions and engaging in other criminal activities. US authorities confirmed that the plane landed in Florida on a fateful Monday, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing probe into the corruption within Venezuela’s government and its strained relations with the US.
“This action sends a powerful message to those in power,” a US official told CNN. The seizure of a foreign leader’s aircraft for illicit deeds is a rare occurrence, signifying that no one, regardless of their status, is above the law or US sanctions. The move aims to hold individuals accountable and uphold international norms.
The plane taken by the US was often referred to as Venezuela’s Air Force One and was frequently used on Maduro’s official visits abroad. Although President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic asserted that the jet seized belonged to an individual and not the Venezuelan government, the US Attorney General Merrick Garland confirmed that the aircraft was acquired illegally through a shell company for $13 million and smuggled out of the US.
According to the Justice Department, the Dassault Falcon 900EX purchased in Florida was flown to Venezuela in April 2023 and used primarily for international travel to and from a military base in the country. The jet’s most recent flight was traced from Caracas to Santo Domingo before it was seized by US authorities.
Maduro’s government condemned the aircraft’s confiscation, labeling it as an act of piracy and accusing the US of unwarranted aggression against his administration following a contentious presidential election. Venezuela decried the US for imposing coercive measures that infringe on international regulations and run contrary to the principles of justice.
Engaging multiple agencies, the US has been relentless in its efforts to curb the flow of illegal funds to the dictatorial regime in Venezuela. Homeland Security Investigations, alongside other federal bodies, has seized numerous assets destined for Venezuela, including luxury vehicles, to disrupt the illicit financial streams fueling the corrupt government.
The Dominican Republic played a pivotal role in the aircraft’s seizure, cooperating closely with US authorities to ensure compliance with international laws and bilateral agreements. Despite the Venezuela government’s objections, the US asserted that the seizure was lawful and necessary to investigate claims of fraud, smuggling, and money laundering linked to Maduro’s regime.
With the US maintaining pressure on Venezuela to uphold democracy and transparency, concerns over the legitimacy of Maduro’s reelection have surfaced. In response, the US has reinstated sanctions on Venezuela’s vital oil and gas sector, stifling economic growth and pressuring the government to engage in fair and inclusive electoral practices.
As the international community rallies against the Maduro regime, the US continues to pursue justice for the Venezuelan people by holding perpetrators accountable for crimes against humanity and corruption. The State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs has placed a bounty on Maduro’s head, offering $15 million for information leading to his arrest or conviction.
Despite the deepening crisis in Venezuela, with millions fleeing economic hardship, food shortages, and inadequate healthcare, the US remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the Venezuelan people and advocating for democratic reforms in the South American nation. The seizure of Maduro’s jet represents a significant step towards ensuring accountability and justice for those whose rights have been trampled by a repressive regime.
