The recent seizure of a plane used by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has captured attention globally, drawing criticism for its connection to a lack of transparency in the country’s recent election.
The U.S. government took control of the Dassault Falcon 900EX, citing violations of sanctions and export control laws. This action followed the discovery that the plane was illegally purchased through a shell company and smuggled out of the United States. The aircraft, valued at $13 million, was hidden behind a Caribbean-based entity to conceal its true ownership. It was exported from the U.S. to Venezuela through an elaborate transaction that aimed to circumvent laws prohibiting business dealings with the Maduro regime.
The plane, which frequently transported Maduro on international trips, was registered to San Marino and played a crucial role in diplomatic visits to countries like Guyana and Cuba.
“This seizure sends a clear message that illicit activities involving U.S.-acquired aircraft for sanctioned Venezuelan officials will not go unnoticed,” stated Matthew Axelrod, an official from the Commerce Department.
The plane’s seizure coincides with fallout from Venezuela’s recent election, where Maduro was declared the winner amid allegations of electoral fraud and a lack of transparent reporting. The opposition has provided evidence suggesting a different outcome, further amplifying the controversy surrounding Maduro’s administration.
In another notable event, the same plane carried American prisoners released from Venezuela in exchange for a Maduro ally held in the U.S. on money laundering charges. It later landed in the Dominican Republic for maintenance, signaling a potential end to its active service.
The U.S. has taken additional measures against Venezuelan assets, including sanctions on aircraft owned by state oil company PDVSA and offering a substantial bounty for Maduro’s arrest on drug trafficking charges.
Despite these developments, the Venezuelan government has remained tight-lipped, declining to provide immediate comments on the situation.