The United States has seized a $13 million private jet linked to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, intensifying its sanctions enforcement against the South American leader. The Dassault Falcon 900EX was confiscated in the Dominican Republic and flown to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, after it was determined to have been illegally purchased and exported in violation of US sanctions.
Key Takeaways
- The seized aircraft is a Dassault Falcon 900EX, valued at $13 million.
- The jet was allegedly purchased through a shell company to evade US sanctions.
- The plane was used by Nicolás Maduro and other high-ranking Venezuelan officials.
- The seizure was a coordinated effort between US and Dominican authorities.
Details of the Seizure
The Dassault Falcon 900EX, a long-range private jet, was seized by US law enforcement officials in the Dominican Republic. The aircraft was then flown to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. According to the US Department of Justice, the jet was illegally purchased through a shell company and smuggled out of the United States for use by Nicolás Maduro and his associates.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized the importance of the seizure, stating, "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." The jet has been used to transport Maduro and other high-ranking Venezuelan officials both domestically and internationally.
Background and Specifications
The Dassault Falcon 900EX, introduced by Dassault in 1984, is favored for its long-range capabilities and is used by various governments, including the French Air and Space Force and the Japan Coast Guard. The seized aircraft had been based at a Venezuelan military facility but was also utilized for international travel, extending the reach of Maduro’s regime.
The jet boasts impressive performance specifications, with a length of 66.4 feet, a wingspan of 63.4 feet, and a maximum cruising speed of 482 knots (555 miles per hour). It can travel up to 4,500 nautical miles (5,175 miles) and reach a service ceiling of 51,000 feet, making it ideal for international travel.
Legal and Political Implications
The US government has long imposed sanctions on Venezuela, targeting individuals and entities involved in criminal, antidemocratic, or corrupt actions. The seizure of the jet is part of ongoing efforts to hold Maduro and his affiliates accountable. Matthew S. Axelrod, Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement at the Department of Commerce, stated, "Let this seizure send a clear message: aircraft illegally acquired from the United States for the benefit of sanctioned Venezuelan officials cannot just fly off into the sunset."
US Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida praised the coordinated efforts that led to the successful seizure, highlighting the cooperation between US and Dominican authorities. "This successful seizure was the result of planning, coordination, and execution by the United States government, with invaluable assistance by the authorities in the Dominican Republic."
International Reactions
The Venezuelan government has condemned the seizure, labeling it as "piracy." The foreign ministry in Caracas issued a statement denouncing the action, while the US National Security Council described the seizure as an important step in ensuring that Maduro faces consequences for his administration’s actions.
The seizure of the jet underscores the ongoing tension between the United States and Venezuela, as Washington continues to challenge Maduro’s legitimacy and governance. The international community remains divided, with some countries refusing to recognize Maduro’s government without detailed voting results from disputed elections.
Sources
- US seizes Venezuelan leader’s $13 million private jet in sanctions crackdown: ‘Illegally purchased for President Nicolás Maduro’ – Times of India, Times of India.
- Nicolas Maduro: US seizes Maduro’s private jet, says it was illegally purchased – Times of India, Times of India.
- US seizes private jet linked to Venezuelan President, Punch Newspapers.
- The United States Seizes $13 Million Private Jet Belonging to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in International Operation, PYOK.
- Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro’s $13 million plane seized by the U.S. | Fortune, Fortune.