Massive Blow to Maduro: U.S. Seizes $13 Million Aircraft in Bold Operation

The United States has seized an aircraft tied to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, the Justice Department announced on Monday.

The Dassault Falcon 900EX, Venezuela’s equivalent to Air Force One, was discovered in the Dominican Republic following a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) led investigation.

The plane, reportedly used for Maduro’s international travel, was not occupied by the Venezuelan leader at the time of the seizure.

Homeland Security Investigations Lead Efforts

According to sources, HSI, in collaboration with other U.S. agencies, located the aircraft in the Dominican Republic.

After its discovery, the plane was flown to Florida, where U.S. officials officially seized it.

Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of HSI Miami praised the operation, stating, “The seizure of this aircraft is another significant action by Homeland Security Investigations working with our domestic and international partners against the illegal activities of the Maduro regime.”

Justice Department’s Allegations

Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the significance of the seizure in a statement, alleging that the aircraft was illegally purchased for $13 million through a shell company and smuggled out of the United States for Maduro’s use.

“The Department will continue to pursue those who violate our sanctions and export controls to prevent them from using American resources to undermine the national security of the United States,” Garland said.

The plane was purchased from a Florida-based company and was illegally exported in April 2023 from the United States to Venezuela through the Caribbean.

U.S. authorities confirmed that the aircraft primarily flew between Caracas and a military base in Venezuela, raising concerns over its use by Maduro and his close associates.

Venezuelan Government Condemns Seizure

In response, the Venezuelan government condemned the U.S. action, calling it an act of “piracy.”

In a statement issued Monday, Venezuelan officials accused Washington of escalating aggression toward Maduro’s government, especially following a contested presidential election in July.

“Once again, the authorities of the USA, in a recurring criminal practice that could not be labeled anything but piracy, have illegally seized an aircraft that has been used by the president of the Republic,” read the statement.

The Venezuelan government further criticized the U.S. for imposing “illegal and unilateral” coercive measures around the world.

Broader Implications of the Seizure of Maduro’s Plane

For years, U.S. authorities have sought to disrupt the flow of billions of dollars to the Maduro regime.

Homeland Security Investigations, the second-largest investigative agency in the federal government, has seized numerous assets, including luxury vehicles, connected to Venezuelan officials.

This latest aircraft seizure marks a significant escalation in efforts to enforce sanctions and cripple the Maduro’s ability to move freely on the international stage.

Anthony Salisbury, Special Agent in Charge of HSI, confirmed that the plane’s seizure was part of broader sanctions against Venezuela, stating, “The plane was seized in violation of U.S. sanctions with Venezuela and other criminal matters that we’re still looking at regarding this aircraft.”

A high-ranking official from the Dominican Republic reportedly said that Maduro’s aircraft had been in Dominican territory for maintenance when U.S. authorities took control.

The official added that the Dominican government had no prior knowledge that Maduro’s private plane was in the country until the seizure occurred.

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