The United States has confiscated a plane utilized by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, transporting it from the Dominican Republic to Florida, following a determination that its acquisition breached US sanctions, according to the US Justice Department on Monday.
This seizure occurred amidst ongoing domestic and international pressure on Maduro regarding a disputed July 28 election, which he declared victory in, contrary to opposition claims that their vote counts indicated their candidate had convincingly beaten him. Maduro, his associates, and Venezuela's crucial oil sector are heavily sanctioned by the US, and his management of the election has heightened the possibility of additional sanctions.
"This morning, the Justice Department seized an aircraft we allege was illicitly acquired for $13 million via a shell company and clandestinely removed from the United States for use by Nicolás Maduro and his associates," stated Attorney General Merrick Garland in a release. US officials noted that the seizure, initially reported by CNN, was carried out in close collaboration with the Dominican Republic. The Venezuelan government has yet to respond to a request for comment.
