The Dassault Falcon 900EX jet, which was exported from Florida illegally, was confiscated in the Dominican Republic and brought to Florida.
Attorney General Merrick Garland stated, “We allege this aircraft was purchased for $13 million through a shell company and smuggled for use by Nicolás Maduro and his associates.”
He emphasized that the U.S. will continue enforcing sanctions to prevent resources from being used to undermine U.S. national security.
The Justice Department explained that Maduro’s associates had arranged the purchase of the plane from a South Florida company between late 2022 and early 2023, in violation of U.S. export controls.
Since then, the jet has been used primarily for flights between a Venezuelan military base and international destinations, including China, Cuba, and Brazil.
The U.S. government has been critical of Maduro’s recent presidential re-election, which it claims was fraudulent.
The seizure of the plane underscores the ongoing pressure on Maduro’s regime, with U.S. officials reiterating their support for Venezuela’s opposition and calling the action “an important step to hold Maduro accountable for his misgovernance.”
Attorney General Merrick Garland stated, “We allege this aircraft was purchased for $13 million through a shell company and smuggled for use by Nicolás Maduro and his associates.”
He emphasized that the U.S. will continue enforcing sanctions to prevent resources from being used to undermine U.S. national security.
The Justice Department explained that Maduro’s associates had arranged the purchase of the plane from a South Florida company between late 2022 and early 2023, in violation of U.S. export controls.
Since then, the jet has been used primarily for flights between a Venezuelan military base and international destinations, including China, Cuba, and Brazil.
The U.S. government has been critical of Maduro’s recent presidential re-election, which it claims was fraudulent.
The seizure of the plane underscores the ongoing pressure on Maduro’s regime, with U.S. officials reiterating their support for Venezuela’s opposition and calling the action “an important step to hold Maduro accountable for his misgovernance.”