U.S. Authorities Confiscate Venezuelan President Maduro’s Aircraft
The United States has taken possession of an aircraft linked to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, as confirmed by Fox News. The plane was intercepted in the Dominican Republic and subsequently transported back to the U.S., landing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Details of the Seizure
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) executed the operation on Monday morning, following a report from CNN. This aircraft is often referred to as Maduro’s equivalent of Air Force One and is utilized for his international state visits. The seizure occurred due to its acquisition through a shell company, which contravened existing sanctions and export regulations. U.S. officials pointed out that this action violated Executive Order 13884, enacted by former President Trump in 2019.
Valued at approximately $13 million, the confiscated aircraft is identified as a Dassault Falcon 900-EX. The operation was part of a collaborative investigation involving HSI and the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Statements from Officials
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland remarked on the incident: “This morning, we seized an aircraft that we allege was unlawfully purchased for $13 million via a shell company and smuggled out of our country for use by Nicolás Maduro and his associates.” He emphasized that efforts will persist against those who breach sanctions or export controls aimed at safeguarding national security interests.
Matthew Axelrod, Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement at the Department of Commerce, added: “Let this seizure serve as a definitive warning: illegally acquired aircraft intended for sanctioned Venezuelan officials will not simply vanish into thin air.” He reiterated their commitment to collaborating with global partners to track down any such illicitly exported planes.
Impact on U.S.-Venezuela Relations
This development is likely to exacerbate tensions between Washington and Caracas further than they already are.
In August 2019, Trump signed Executive Order 13884 prohibiting transactions with individuals acting on behalf of Venezuela’s government or its regime members—this includes those associated with Maduro’s administration—to protect American national security interests.
Background on Illegal Acquisition
Investigators revealed that between late 2022 and early 2023, individuals connected with Maduro allegedly employed a Caribbean-based front company to mask their involvement in acquiring the Dassault Falcon 900EX from an entity located in Florida—a transaction valued around $13 million according to federal authorities.
Federal investigators assert that this plane was unlawfully exported from America through Caribbean routes back in April 2023. Since then, it has primarily operated flights connecting military bases within Venezuela while serving high-ranking officials including Maduro himself during international trips.
The Bureau of Industry and Security within the Department of Commerce’s Miami Field Office continues its investigation alongside HSI’s El Dorado Task Force based in Miami.
