US authorities have seized the Dassault Falcon 900EX jet of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, alleging it was illegally obtained in violation of sanctions placed against the Bolivarian Republic.
US Seiezes “Air Force One” Jet Used By Venezuelan Strongman Maduro In Dominican Republic
The strained relationship between Venezuela and the United States turned frostier on Monday after the United States seized Maduro’s jet, the Venezuelan equivalent to Air Force One, while on the ground in the Dominican Republic.
It was promptly flown from La Isabela International Airport in Santo Domingo (JBQ) to Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) in Broward County, Florida, leaving Santo Domingo at 9:37 am and arriving in Fort Lauderdale at 11:28 am, just under two hours later.
US Attorney General Merrick Garland explained:
“This morning, the Justice Department seized an aircraft we allege was illegally purchased for $13 million through a shell company and smuggled out of the United States for use by Nicolas Maduro and his cronies. The Department will continue to pursue those who violate our sanctions and export controls to prevent them from using American resources to undermine the national security of the United States.”
According to the US investigation, in late 2022 and early 2023, persons affiliated with Maduro allegedly used a Caribbean-based shell company to conceal their involvement in the illegal purchase of the Dassault Falcon 900EX aircraft (valued at approximately $13 million) from a Florida-based company. Its registration number was T7-ESPRT.
Then, the aircraft was then illegally exported from the United States to Venezuela via an undisclosed Caribbean nation in April 2023.
The burden to prove forfeitability in a forfeiture proceeding is upon the US government. Venezuelan officials have not yet responded to the seizure.
CONCLUSION
US authorities have seized the Dassault Falcon 900EX jet of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in the Dominican Republic, alleging it was illegally obtained in 2022 in contravention of Trump-era sanctions.
For the officials stranded, unfortunately, Conviasa, the flag carrier of Venezuela, does not fly to Santo Domingo…
https://twitter.com/PresidencialVen/status/1716121929495540048
He was on the tarmac distracted by his dumb mobile phone , when they grabbed the plane .
Classic straw deal. From shell company, to Maduro the dictator. The irony here is Trump signed the sanctions. Seems a little hypocritical given statements he has tried to walk back. And he does need a new jet…
Are you sure it was FAV001, Venezuelan Air Force One? I thought the Airbus A319CJ was it and this plane was one of the small fleet of VViP aircraft.
If so, not Matthew’s fault but the media spin people in the administration.
I’m a little surprised the DR was cool with this.
It’s based on reciprocity.