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Exclusive: US Seizes Venezuelan Dominican Republic President Nicolas Maduro’s Aircraft
In a dramatic turn of events, the United States has confiscated the private jet belonging to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro for alleged violations of US sanctions and other illicit activities. The jet arrived in Florida on Monday, sparking tensions between Venezuela and the US.
The seizure of Maduro’s aircraft in the Dominican Republic marks a significant escalation in the ongoing probe into corruption within Venezuela’s government. The move has been seen as a clear message from the US that even high-ranking officials are not beyond the reach of the law.
A senior US official stated in an interview with CNN, “This sends a message all the way up to the top. Seizing a foreign leader’s jet is a rare and bold move, but it demonstrates that no one is immune to the consequences of illegal activities, including violations of US sanctions.”
The aircraft, often referred to as Venezuela’s Air Force One, has been prominently featured on Maduro’s international state visits. However, Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader revealed that the jet seized by the US was registered under the name of an individual, not the Venezuelan government.
According to Dominican Republic Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez, a national court had previously ordered the jet to be immobilized in May following suspicions of fraudulent activities, illicit smuggling, and money laundering.
US Attorney General Merrick Garland announced that the Justice Department seized the jet, which was allegedly purchased illegally for $13 million through a shell company and smuggled out of the United States for use by Maduro and his associates.
The Justice Department revealed that the Dassault Falcon 900EX was unlawfully transferred to Venezuela over the Caribbean in April 2023. Maduro reportedly used the jet primarily for travel to and from a military base in Venezuela for international trips.
The Venezuelan government has condemned the seizure as an act of piracy and an aggression against Maduro’s administration. They accused the US of using its economic and military influence to coerce other states into compliance with its agenda.
The US has been actively engaged in dismantling the Maduro regime’s corruption networks, with Homeland Security Investigations seizing millions of dollars’ worth of assets destined for Venezuela. The confiscation of Maduro’s jet is a culmination of these efforts to disrupt the flow of illicit funds.
Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, Anthony Salisbury, explained that the jet was confiscated due to violations of US sanctions and ongoing criminal investigations. The involvement of multiple US agencies highlights the seriousness of the allegations against Maduro and his associates.
Despite Venezuela’s protests against the seizure, the US has continued to push for accountability and transparency in the wake of questionable election practices. The US has demanded that Venezuela provide crucial election statistics amid doubts surrounding the legitimacy of Maduro’s victory.
As the political landscape in Venezuela remains turbulent, millions of people have fled the country in search of better opportunities. The Maduro regime’s oppressive tactics and refusal to hold fair elections have led to increased pressure from the US and other international actors.
In recent years, the US has imposed sanctions on Venezuela’s oil and gas industry and targeted key individuals, including Maduro, for their alleged involvement in drug trafficking and corruption. The State Department has offered a substantial reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest or conviction.
The sentencing of two of Maduro’s relatives to prison for drug smuggling further underscored the US government’s commitment to combating illegal activities linked to the Maduro regime. The US has vowed to hold accountable those responsible for exploiting Venezuela’s resources for personal gain.
The humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, characterized by widespread poverty, food shortages, and healthcare deficiencies, has resulted in a mass exodus of people seeking refuge in neighboring countries. The US remains committed to supporting the Venezuelan people and ensuring that those responsible for their suffering are held accountable.
In conclusion, the seizure of Maduro’s aircraft represents a significant development in the US government’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption and illicit activities in Venezuela. By targeting high-ranking officials like Maduro and his associates, the US aims to send a clear message that no one is above the law, regardless of their position of power.
