The United States government has seized an aircraft used by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, citing violations of U.S. sanctions and other criminal issues. The plane, a Dassault Falcon 900, was flown from the Dominican Republic to Florida on Monday, according to U.S. officials.
The seizure marks a significant escalation in the already tense relationship between Venezuela and the U.S., as the Biden administration continues its investigation into alleged corrupt practices by the Venezuelan government. U.S. officials described the aircraft as Venezuela's equivalent to Air Force One, noting that it has been used by Maduro on state visits around the world.
“This sends a message all the way up to the top,” one of the US officials told CNN.
“Seizing the foreign head of state’s plane is unheard-of for criminal matters. We’re sending a clear message here that no one is above the law, no one is above the reach of US sanctions.”The Dassault Falcon 900, estimated to be worth around $13 million, had been in the Dominican Republic for several months. While U.S. officials did not disclose the specific reasons for its presence there, the situation provided an opportunity for the U.S. to seize the aircraft.
This action is part of a broader effort by U.S. authorities to disrupt the flow of billions of dollars to the Maduro regime. Over the years, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has seized numerous luxury vehicles and other assets destined for Venezuela. The seizure of the plane involved multiple federal agencies, including HSI, Commerce agents, the Bureau of Industry and Security, and the Justice Department. The Dominican Republic played a key role in the operation, notifying Venezuela of the seizure.
The next step in the process will involve pursuing forfeiture, giving the Venezuelan government a chance to petition for the aircraft and gather evidence related to its seizure.
For more than 20 years, Maduro and a number of high-ranking colleagues allegedly conspired with [Colombian left-wing guerrillaa] the FARC, causing tons of cocaine to enter and devastate American communities.,” then-Attorney General William Barr said at the time.The U.S. has recently intensified pressure on the Venezuelan government, demanding the release of specific data regarding its presidential election, amid concerns over the credibility of Maduro's victory. Earlier this year, the U.S. reimposed sanctions on Venezuela's oil and gas sector in response to the Maduro government's failure to conduct an "inclusive and competitive election."
In March 2020, the U.S. Department of Justice charged Maduro and 14 current and former Venezuelan officials with narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and corruption. The State Department has offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to Maduro's arrest or conviction.
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