US Seizes Luxury Jet Allegedly Used by Venezuelan President Maduro
The US has confiscated a high-end aircraft, claiming it was illegally acquired for Venezuelan President Maduro's use. This action heightens tensions following Venezuela's disputed July election.
The United States government has taken possession of a luxury aircraft, asserting it was unlawfully obtained for the use of Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela's president. This action, announced on September 2, 2024, underscores the escalating tensions between the two nations following Venezuela's contentious election held on July 28, 2024.
The seized aircraft, identified as a Dassault Falcon 900EX, is a long-range trijet business jet known for its advanced capabilities. US officials claim the plane was procured through a shell company for $13 million in Florida during late 2022 or early 2023. Subsequently, it was allegedly transported to the Caribbean in April 2023, violating US sanctions.
Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that the aircraft had been "smuggled out of the United States for use by Nicolás Maduro and his associates." Since May 2023, the plane has reportedly been operating primarily between a Venezuelan military base and other countries, facilitating Maduro's international travel.
The seizure is rooted in a 2019 executive order that imposed economic sanctions on Venezuela, prohibiting US entities from engaging in transactions with Venezuelan government representatives. This order was part of broader measures taken against Venezuela, including sanctions on the state-owned oil company PDVSA in 2019.
Venezuela, which possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves and second-largest gold reserves, has been grappling with a severe economic crisis since 2013. The country has experienced hyperinflation, necessitating multiple redenominations of its currency, the bolivar. This economic turmoil has contributed to a humanitarian crisis, prompting millions of Venezuelans to flee the country.
Matthew S. Axelrod, Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement at the Commerce Department, emphasized the US government's commitment to identifying and reclaiming illegally exported aircraft, regardless of the status of those involved.
The Venezuelan government has vehemently denounced the aircraft's confiscation, labeling it as "piracy" and threatening legal action. This response reflects the ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two nations, which have been exacerbated by allegations of human rights violations and the US recognition of opposition leader Juan Guaidó as interim president in 2019.
"The United States has illegally confiscated an aircraft that has been used by the President of the Republic. This repeated criminal practice can only be qualified as piracy."
The recent election in Venezuela has further strained relations, with the US and other countries demanding the release of full election results. Meanwhile, Maduro's government has intensified its crackdown on political opponents, reportedly arresting over 2,000 individuals, including minors.
As the situation unfolds, the US administration is exploring various approaches, including potential new economic sanctions and diplomatic initiatives involving Latin American leaders, to address the ongoing political crisis in Venezuela.
