U.S. Seizes Venezuelan Presidential Jet Over Illegal Purchase, Flies It To Florida

The United States has seized a private jet linked to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, claiming it was illegally bought and smuggled out of the country. The Dassault Falcon 900EX jet, valued at $13 million, was undergoing maintenance in the Dominican Republic when it was seized and flown to Florida.

According to a CNN report, U.S. officials said the aircraft was acquired through a Caribbean-based shell company, violating U.S. sanctions and export laws. The jet was reportedly used almost exclusively for travel between Venezuela and other countries, including military bases.

It is unclear how and when the plane arrived in the Dominican Republic. However, tracking data showed that the jet departed La Isabela Airport near Santo Domingo on Monday and landed at Fort Lauderdale Airport in Florida shortly afterwards. Markenzy Lapointe, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, said the Dominican authorities largely helped to ensure the seizure.

There has been no official comment from Maduro or the Venezuelan government. Recall that in 2020, the U.S. Justice Department charged President Nicolás Maduro and 14 Venezuelan officials with crimes such as narco-terrorism, corruption, and drug trafficking. The U.S. also reimposed sanctions on Venezuela’s oil and gas sector. This recent development adds to the tension between both nations.

This is a developing story…

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