The US government announced the seizure of a private jet

On September 3, 2024, the US government announced the seizure of a private jet allegedly linked to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. This action is based on allegations that the aircraft was acquired illegally and smuggled out of the United States in violation of American law.

The aircraft in question, a Dassault Falcon 900EX, was confiscated in the Dominican Republic and subsequently transported to Florida. According to a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice, the seizure was the direct result of a thorough investigation into the acquisition and subsequent use of the aircraft.

Attorney General Merrick Garland said: “This morning, the Department of Justice seized an aircraft that we allege was illegally purchased for $13 million through a front company and smuggled out of the United States for use by Nicolás Maduro and his cronies.” He stressed that the administration will continue to enforce sanctions and export controls designed to protect U.S. national security.

The investigation found that the aircraft was purchased through a Caribbean-based shell company to conceal Maduro’s involvement. This transaction reportedly took place between late 2022 and early 2023 and is believed to have violated U.S. export controls and sanctions. After the purchase, the aircraft was illegally exported from the U.S. to Venezuela via the Caribbean in April 2023.

According to the Justice Department, “in late 2022 and early 2023, individuals associated with Maduro allegedly used a shell company to conceal their involvement in the illegal acquisition of the Dassault Falcon 900EX, valued at approximately $13 million, from a South Florida-based company.” The aircraft, with tail number T7-ESPRT, has since been used primarily for travel to and from a military base in Venezuela and to transport Maduro on official visits abroad.

Flight records confirm that the plane made a stopover in St. Vincent and the Grenadines before reaching Caracas, Venezuela. Since its arrival, it reportedly operated almost exclusively near a Venezuelan military base, further evidence that it was used to Maduro’s advantage.

The U.S. government views this seizure as part of its ongoing efforts to hold Maduro and his allies accountable for their actions. The White House National Security Council called the seizure an “important step” to ensure Maduro faces consequences for his government’s conduct.

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Markenzy Lapointe stressed the cooperation in the seizure and acknowledged the “invaluable help” of the Dominican Republic authorities. He stated: “The seizure of the Dassault Falcon 900EX aircraft by the United States demonstrates our unwavering commitment to enforcing U.S. export control laws and imposing sanctions on violations.” Lapointe assured that efforts to seize the aircraft and other assets that circumvent the legal framework would continue.

This seizure is a clear sign of the US government’s determination to take action against those who violate international sanctions and contribute to destabilizing activities in the region. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen what impact this will have on Maduro’s government and future US-Venezuelan relations.

On September 3, 2024, the U.S. government announced the seizure of a private jet allegedly linked to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, based on allegations that the aircraft was illegally acquired and smuggled out of the United States in violation of American law.

The aircraft in question, a Dassault Falcon 900EX, was confiscated in the Dominican Republic and subsequently transported to Florida. According to a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice, the seizure was the direct result of a thorough investigation into the acquisition and subsequent use of the aircraft.

Attorney General Merrick Garland said: “This morning, the Department of Justice seized an aircraft that we allege was illegally purchased for $13 million through a front company and smuggled out of the United States for use by Nicolás Maduro and his cronies.” He stressed that the administration will continue to enforce sanctions and export controls designed to protect U.S. national security.

The investigation found that the aircraft was purchased through a Caribbean-based shell company to conceal Maduro’s involvement. This transaction reportedly took place between late 2022 and early 2023 and is believed to have violated U.S. export controls and sanctions. After the purchase, the aircraft was illegally exported from the U.S. to Venezuela via the Caribbean in April 2023.

According to the Justice Department, “in late 2022 and early 2023, individuals associated with Maduro allegedly used a shell company to conceal their involvement in the illegal acquisition of the Dassault Falcon 900EX, valued at approximately $13 million, from a South Florida-based company.” The aircraft, with tail number T7-ESPRT, has since been used primarily for travel to and from a military base in Venezuela and to transport Maduro on official visits abroad.

Flight records confirm that the plane made a stopover in St. Vincent and the Grenadines before reaching Caracas, Venezuela. Since its arrival, it reportedly operated almost exclusively near a Venezuelan military base, further evidence that it was used to Maduro’s advantage.

The U.S. government views this seizure as part of its ongoing efforts to hold Maduro and his allies accountable for their actions. The White House National Security Council called the seizure an “important step” to ensure Maduro faces consequences for his government’s conduct.

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Markenzy Lapointe stressed the cooperation in the seizure and acknowledged the “invaluable help” of the Dominican Republic authorities. He stated: “The seizure of the Dassault Falcon 900EX aircraft by the United States demonstrates our unwavering commitment to enforcing U.S. export control laws and imposing sanctions on violations.” Lapointe assured that efforts to seize the aircraft and other assets that circumvent the legal framework would continue.

This seizure is a clear sign of the US government’s determination to take action against those who violate international sanctions and contribute to destabilizing activities in the region. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen what impact this will have on Maduro’s government and future US-Venezuelan relations.

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