US Seizes Plane Owned by Venezuelan President Maduro, According to DOJ

 

On Monday, the U.S. Justice Department announced that it had seized Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's plane. According to a source, the aircraft was located in the Dominican Republic through an investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Following the seizure, the plane was transported to Florida the same day, though Maduro was not aboard, the source noted. The plane, a Dassault 900, is considered the Venezuelan equivalent of Air Force One.

This morning, Attorney General Merrick Garland announced that the Justice Department has seized an aircraft allegedly purchased illegally for $13 million through a shell company and smuggled out of the United States for use by Nicolás Maduro and his associates. "The Department remains committed to pursuing those who breach our sanctions and export controls to prevent them from exploiting American resources to threaten U.S. national security," Garland stated.

Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami also praised the seizure. "This operation represents another crucial step by Homeland Security Investigations, in collaboration with our domestic and international partners, against the illicit activities of the Maduro regime," Salisbury said.

Earlier, a spokesperson from the U.S. National Security Council confirmed the seizure, noting that the aircraft was used by Maduro and his representatives. "Recent reports from various independent sources have shown that Maduro and his associates have manipulated the results of the July 28 presidential election, falsely declared victory, and engaged in widespread repression to retain power by force," the spokesperson added.

"Last week, a rector from Venezuela's National Electoral Council confirmed that Maduro has not provided proof of his election victory. The United States, in collaboration with its partners, is working to uphold the will of the Venezuelan people as expressed in the July 28 election," the spokesperson stated.

"Today, the U.S. Department of Justice took action to enforce U.S. sanctions by seizing an aircraft used by Maduro and his representatives. This step is crucial to ensure that Maduro continues to face consequences for his mismanagement of Venezuela," the spokesperson added.

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