U.S. Seizes Venezuelan President Maduro’s Jet in Dominican Republic Over Sanctions Violations

U.S. authorities have seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s private jet in the Dominican Republic, a move that underscores the intensifying sanctions regime against Venezuela.

According to reports, the Dassault Falcon 900, frequently used by Maduro on international state visits, was confiscated after U.S. officials determined its acquisition violated American sanctions and involved other criminal activities.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is facing corruption charges in the US. Getty Images

Two U.S. officials confirmed that the jet, valued at approximately $13 million, was flown to Florida on Monday following its seizure. “This sends a message up to the top,” one official told CNN, emphasising the rarity of such an action.

“Seizing the foreign head of state’s plane is unheard-of for criminal matters. We’re sending a clear message here that no one is above the law or the reach of U.S. sanctions.”

The circumstances surrounding the jet’s presence in the Dominican Republic in recent months remain unclear. The operation involved several U.S. agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Industry and Security, and the Department of Justice. The Dominican Republic cooperated with the U.S. in the seizure and informed Venezuelan authorities about the action.

The plane is supposed to be worth about $13 million. Justice Department

The following steps involve pursuing legal forfeiture, allowing the Venezuelan government to petition for the aircraft’s return. U.S. authorities also plan to collect evidence from the plane. This seizure marks a significant escalation in the already tense relationship between the U.S. and Venezuela as Washington continues to investigate alleged corruption within Maduro’s regime.

The U.S. has long sought to disrupt the flow of funds to Maduro’s government. In previous actions, Homeland Security Investigations seized luxury vehicles and other assets destined for Venezuela. Earlier this year, the U.S. reimposed sanctions on Venezuela’s oil and gas sectors, citing the Maduro government’s failure to conduct fair elections.

In August, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned the results of Venezuela’s most recent presidential election, calling the vote tally from the Maduro-controlled National Electoral Council “deeply flawed” and unrepresentative of the Venezuelan people’s will. After the disputed July 28 election, Venezuela suspended commercial flights to and from the Dominican Republic.

Maduro has been spotted with the jet on multiple state visits. AP

The U.S. Department of Justice has been pursuing charges against Maduro and 14 other current and former officials since March 2020, accusing them of narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and corruption. There is a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to Maduro’s arrest or conviction.

The situation in Venezuela continues to have a significant impact on U.S. domestic politics, particularly due to the ongoing migration crisis. As of June 2024, 7.7 million people have fled Venezuela, marking the most significant displacement in the Western Hemisphere.

“We see these officials and the Maduro regime fleecing the Venezuelan people for their gain,” a U.S. official told CNN. “You have people who can’t even afford a loaf of bread there, and then you have the president of Venezuela jetting around in a high-class private jet.”

Sola Adeniji

News Reporter, Freelancer, and content creator

See Full Bio