US Seizes Venezuelan President Maduro's Plane in Dominican Republic

The United States has seized a plane belonging to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in the Dominican Republic, according to Fox News sources. The plane was confiscated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and is now in U.S. custody.

The seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's personal plane in the Dominican Republic is a significant development in the ongoing tensions between the United States and Venezuela. The plane, a Dassault Falcon 900-EX valued at $13 million, was purchased through a straw company in violation of sanctions laws and export controls.

According to U.S. officials, the plane was illegally exported from the United States to Venezuela through the Caribbean in April 2023. Since May 2023, it has been used for the benefit of Maduro and his representatives, including to transport him on visits to other countries.

US Seizes Venezuelan President Maduro's Plane in Dominican Republic

The seizure was a result of a joint investigation between HSI and the U.S. Department of Commerce. In late 2022 and early 2023, persons affiliated with Maduro used a Caribbean-based shell company to conceal their involvement in the illegal purchase of the aircraft from a company based in Florida.

The specific violation cited by U.S. authorities is Executive Order 13884, signed by former President Donald Trump in 2019. This order prohibits U.S. persons from engaging in transactions with persons who have acted or purported to act for or on behalf of the government of Venezuela, including as a member of the Maduro regime.

US Seizes Venezuelan President Maduro's Plane in Dominican Republic

The seizure is expected to further strain relations between the U.S. and Venezuela. The Maduro regime has condemned the move as illegal and an act of aggression. However, U.S. authorities have defended their actions, stating that they are committed to enforcing sanctions and export controls and preventing Maduro and his allies from using American resources to undermine U.S. national security.

The Dassault Falcon 900-EX is described by officials as Maduro's version of "Air Force One." It is used for his state visits around the world. The seizure of the plane is a symbolic blow to Maduro and his regime, and it sends a clear message that the U.S. will not tolerate violations of its sanctions and export controls.

US Seizes Venezuelan President Maduro's Plane in Dominican Republic

The Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security Miami Field Office and the DHS, HSI El Dorado Task Force Miami are continuing to investigate the case. Further charges and actions are possible in the future.

The seizure of Maduro's plane is the latest in a series of actions taken by the U.S. against Venezuela in recent years. The Trump administration imposed a series of sanctions on Venezuela in an effort to pressure Maduro to step down. The Biden administration has continued these sanctions and has also imposed new ones in response to recent crackdowns on the opposition by the Maduro regime.

US Seizes Venezuelan President Maduro's Plane in Dominican Republic

The seizure of Maduro's plane is a significant development and is likely to further escalate tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela. It remains to be seen how the Maduro regime will respond to this latest action.