The United States has seized a plane belonging to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, alleging it was illegally purchased for $13 million (£9.8 million) and smuggled out of Venezuela. The U.S. Justice Department stated that the Falcon 900EX aircraft was seized in the Dominican Republic and subsequently transferred to Florida.
While details remain unclear, tracking data indicates the aircraft left La Isabela Airport near Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on Monday and arrived at Fort Lauderdale Airport in Florida shortly thereafter. Neither President Maduro nor the Venezuelan government has commented on the seizure.
A White House National Security Council spokesperson described the action as “an important step to ensure that Maduro continues to feel the consequences from his misgovernance of Venezuela.” The move adds further tension to the already strained relations between the U.S. and Venezuela, as Washington continues to exert pressure on Maduro’s government over corruption and human rights abuses.
