
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Justice Department announced on Monday the seizure of a plane belonging to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, claiming it was illegally exported from Florida in violation of U.S. sanctions.
The jet, a Dassault Falcon 900EX, was confiscated in the Dominican Republic and transported to Florida.
Attorney General Merrick Garland explained the U.S. action, stating, “This morning, the Justice Department seized an aircraft we allege was illegally purchased for $13 million through a shell company and smuggled out of the United States for use by Nicolás Maduro and his cronies.” He further emphasized that the department would continue to enforce sanctions to prevent misuse of U.S. resources.
According to the Justice Department, Maduro’s associates purchased the jet from a company in South Florida between late 2022 and early 2023. The aircraft was then moved to Venezuela via the Caribbean, violating export controls. Since its relocation, the plane has reportedly been used by Maduro and his officials, flying to destinations such as China, Cuba, and Brazil.
This development follows political tensions in Venezuela after Maduro claimed victory in the June presidential election, a result rejected by the U.S. and other countries, which instead recognized opposition candidate Edmundo González. Maduro’s government has issued an arrest warrant for González, accusing him of conspiracy and other charges related to the election.
A U.S. National Security Council spokesperson called the plane seizure “an important step to ensure Maduro continues to feel the consequences from his misgovernance of Venezuela” and reaffirmed support for the Venezuelan people’s electoral will.