The Justice Department announced today that it has seized a Dassault Falcon 900EX aircraft linked to Nicolás Maduro Moros and his associates in Venezuela. The plane, which was seized in the Dominican Republic, has been transferred to the Southern District of Florida. This action follows a request from the United States due to violations of U.S. export control and sanctions laws.
This morning, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced that the Justice Department has seized an aircraft, alleged to have been illegally purchased for $13 million through a shell company and smuggled out of the U.S., intended for Nicolás Maduro and his associates. "The Department will continue to pursue those who violate our sanctions and export controls to prevent them from using American resources to undermine U.S. national security," Garland stated.
Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod of the Department of Commerce emphasized, "Let this seizure serve as a clear warning: aircraft illegally acquired from the United States for sanctioned Venezuelan officials will not simply escape scrutiny. Regardless of the jet's luxury or the officials' power, we are committed to working tirelessly with our global partners to identify and recover any aircraft illegally exported from the U.S."
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida noted, "The seizure of the Dassault Falcon 900EX underscores our unwavering dedication to enforcing U.S. export control laws and sanctions. This action, made possible through meticulous planning and coordination with the Dominican Republic authorities, demonstrates our commitment to forfeiting assets that violate the law."
Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami added, "This seizure represents a significant effort by Homeland Security Investigations, in collaboration with domestic and international partners, to counter the illegal activities of the Maduro regime. It showcases HSI’s global reach and our resolve to enforce U.S. sanctions and curb illicit proceeds from high-level foreign corruption."
The President's Executive Order 13884, issued in August 2019, prohibits U.S. persons from engaging in transactions with individuals acting on behalf of the Venezuelan government, including members of the Maduro regime. Additionally, the Department of Commerce has imposed export controls to prevent items from reaching Venezuelan military or intelligence users.
The U.S. investigation reveals that in late 2022 and early 2023, individuals linked to Maduro allegedly used a Caribbean-based shell company to mask their involvement in the illegal acquisition of the Dassault Falcon 900EX, valued at approximately $13 million. The aircraft was unlawfully exported to Venezuela via the Caribbean in April 2023. Since May 2023, it has primarily been used to travel to and from a Venezuelan military base, benefiting Maduro and his representatives.
The Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security Miami Field Office, along with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Dorado Task Force Miami, is handling the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Paster and Jorge Delgado, along with Trial Attorney Ahmed Almudallal from the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, are managing the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and HSI in Santo Domingo provided crucial support, and the United States expresses gratitude to the Dominican Republic for its assistance.
The government bears the burden of proof in any forfeiture proceedings.
Updated September 2, 2024
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