On September 2, 2024, the United States seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s Dassault Falcon 900EX jet in the Dominican Republic, transporting it to Florida. This action was taken in response to alleged violations of US sanctions.
The Justice Department stated that the jet was “illegally purchased” through a shell company for $13 million and subsequently smuggled out of the United States for use by Maduro and his associates. Attorney General Merrick Garland confirmed that the aircraft’s acquisition was fraudulent.
Tracking data from Flight Radar 24 showed the jet’s journey from Santo Domingo to Fort Lauderdale, highlighting the high-profile nature of the seizure. The US alleges that the aircraft was purchased using a Caribbean-based shell company to mask the true owners.
The plane was initially exported illegally from the US to Venezuela in April 2023 and had been primarily operating from a Venezuelan military base since then. This seizure follows increasing international scrutiny over the legitimacy of Maduro’s government and its actions.
The political context is tense, with Maduro facing allegations of election fraud and widespread repression following a disputed presidential election on July 28, 2024. The opposition claims a landslide victory, which Maduro’s government denies, citing false results and crackdowns on dissent.
The US National Security Council highlighted the seizure as a measure to hold Maduro accountable for his government’s actions, including human rights abuses and corruption. The plane’s capture is seen as a significant step in applying pressure on the Venezuelan leader.
Since 2005, the US has imposed a range of sanctions on Venezuela targeting individuals and entities involved in criminal or corrupt activities. These sanctions have been expanded over time to include broader financial and sectoral restrictions.
The seizure underscores the ongoing international conflict over Venezuela’s leadership and the international community’s response to the country’s internal and external policies.