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Exclusive: US seizes Venezuelan and Dominican Republic President Nicolas Maduro’s aircraft for sanctions and corruption violations
In recent news, the United States has seized the private jet of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on allegations of violating US sanctions and engaging in illicit activities. According to reports from two US officials, the aircraft arrived in Florida on Monday, where it was confiscated by US authorities.
This move comes amidst ongoing investigations into corruption within the Venezuelan government as well as strained relations between the US and Venezuela. The seizure of Maduro’s aircraft in the Dominican Republic represents a significant development in this complex and tumultuous relationship.
An unnamed US official revealed to CNN, “This sends a message all the way up to the top.” It is unprecedented for a foreign leader’s jet to be seized in such a manner, and it serves as a clear demonstration that no individual, regardless of their position, is above the law or immune to US sanctions.
The aircraft in question has been commonly referred to as Venezuela’s Air Force One and has been utilized by President Maduro for official state visits and international travel. However, President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic has asserted that the seized jet was registered under the name of an individual, not the Venezuelan government.
Roberto Álvarez, the Foreign Minister of the Dominican Republic, disclosed that a national court had issued an order to immobilize the jet back in May, based on suspicions of fraudulent activities, smuggling of goods, and money laundering. The US seized the aircraft in order to gather further evidence related to these allegations.
US Attorney General Merrick Garland has stated, “The Justice Department seized an aircraft that we believe was illegally obtained for $13 million through a shell company and smuggled out of the United States for use by Nicolás Maduro and his associates.” The Dassault Falcon 900EX was purchased in Florida and reportedly transferred unlawfully to Venezuela in April 2023. It has been alleged that Maduro predominantly used the jet for traveling to and from a military base in Venezuela.
Venezuela has vehemently condemned the seizure, labeling it as an act of “piracy” and accusing the US of aggression against Maduro’s administration following a controversial presidential election earlier this year. The Maduro government asserts that the seizure was carried out illegally and without just cause, portraying it as part of a broader pattern of coercion and intimidation orchestrated by the US.
In response to these accusations, US authorities have emphasized their commitment to combatting corruption and illicit activities connected to the Venezuelan government. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has been actively involved in this effort, seizing numerous assets bound for Venezuela in an attempt to disrupt the flow of illicit funds.
The cooperation between US and Dominican authorities in the seizure of Maduro’s jet highlights the united front against corruption and wrongdoing in the region. The Bureau of Industry and Security and the Justice Department have collaborated closely with Homeland Security Investigations to address these issues.
In light of the ongoing investigations into Maduro’s presidency and the integrity of the Venezuelan government, the US has put pressure on Venezuela to provide detailed information about the recent presidential election. With concerns about election transparency and accountability, the US seeks to hold Maduro’s administration accountable for any irregularities or violations that may have occurred.
As millions of Venezuelans continue to flee the country due to economic hardships and political instability, the US remains committed to addressing the root causes of the crisis. By targeting corruption and criminal activities within the Maduro regime, the US aims to promote democracy and stability in the region.
The seizure of Maduro’s aircraft represents a significant step towards accountability and justice in Venezuela. As the US continues to investigate corruption and sanctions violations within the Venezuelan government, the international community looks on with anticipation, hoping for a resolution that will benefit the Venezuelan people and lead to a more transparent and accountable government.
