The United States has seized a private jet reportedly tied to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, claiming it was acquired illegally and smuggled out of the country in violation of U.S. laws.

The plane, a Falcon 900EX, was confiscated in the Dominican Republic and flown to Florida, according to the U.S. Department of Justice in a statement on Monday.

“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,” said Attorney General Merrick Garland. “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.”

Authorities alleged that the jet, valued at $13 million, was purchased through a Caribbean-based shell company to conceal Maduro’s involvement.

The transaction, conducted in late 2022 and early 2023, allegedly breached U.S. export controls and sanctions. The aircraft was then illicitly exported from the U.S. to Venezuela via the Caribbean in April 2023.

“According to the U.S. investigation, in late 2022 and early 2023, persons affiliated with Maduro allegedly used a Caribbean-based shell company to conceal their involvement in the illegal purchase of the Dassault Falcon 900EX aircraft (which at the time was valued at approximately $13 million) from a company based in the Southern District of Florida.

“The aircraft was then illegally exported from the United States to Venezuela through the Caribbean in April 2023. Since May 2023, the Dassault Falcon, bearing tail number T7-ESPRT, has flown almost exclusively to and from a military base in Venezuela and has been used for the benefit of Maduro and his representatives, including to transport Maduro on visits to other countries,” the department explained.

Flight records indicate that the plane made its way to Caracas, Venezuela, after a stop in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Since then, it has reportedly been used almost exclusively for trips to and from a Venezuelan military base.

The U.S. also claims that Maduro used the jet for official visits abroad.

The seizure is part of the U.S. government’s ongoing efforts to hold Maduro and his affiliates accountable.

In the statement, the White House National Security Council described the action as “an important step” in ensuring that Maduro faces consequences for his administration’s actions.

The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Markenzy Lapointe, said the Dominican Republic authorities had given the US government “invaluable assistance” in organising the seizure.

“The United States’ seizure of the Dassault Falcon 900EX aircraft illustrates our unrelenting commitment to enforcing U.S. export control laws and imposing U.S. sanctions for any violations,” said Lapointe.

“This successful seizure was the result of planning, coordination, and execution by the United States government, with invaluable assistance by the authorities in the Dominican Republic. Our office, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to work to forfeit this plane and all other assets that circumvent the law,” he added.

Source | Punchng