1776Reporting
In a significant move, the U.S. government has taken possession of an aircraft linked to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, according to an announcement from the Justice Department on Monday. The plane, a Dassault 900, which serves as Venezuela’s version of Air Force One, was discovered in the Dominican Republic through an investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
On Monday, after being seized, the plane was flown to Florida. Maduro was not aboard at the time of the seizure, sources confirmed.
The Justice Department has alleged that the aircraft was illegally purchased for $13 million through a shell company and then smuggled out of the United States for use by Maduro and his associates. Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the U.S. government’s commitment to enforcing sanctions and export controls, stating, “The Department will continue to pursue those who violate our sanctions and export controls to prevent them from using American resources to undermine the national security of the United States.”
The HSI’s Miami office also highlighted the significance of this operation. Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury remarked, “The seizure of this aircraft is another significant action by Homeland Security Investigations working with our domestic and international partners against the illegal activities of the Maduro regime.”
This action comes in the wake of mounting evidence that Maduro and his allies have manipulated the results of the July 28 presidential election in Venezuela, falsely claiming victory and suppressing opposition to maintain power. A U.S. National Security Council spokesperson confirmed the seizure of the aircraft, reiterating that it was used by Maduro and his representatives.
“Over the past month, as demonstrated by a wide variety of independent sources, Maduro and his representatives have tampered with the results of the July 28 presidential election, falsely claimed victory, and carried out wide-spread repression to maintain power by force,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson further noted that one of Venezuela’s National Electoral Council members recently admitted that Maduro has provided no evidence to substantiate his claim of winning the election. “The United States, in coordination with our partners, is working to ensure that the will of the Venezuelan people, as expressed through the July 28 election, is respected,” the spokesperson added.
The seizure of the plane is seen as a crucial step in holding Maduro accountable for his actions. The U.S. Department of Justice is determined to ensure that Maduro continues to face consequences for his mismanagement and misgovernance of Venezuela.
This operation marks yet another instance of the U.S. government’s efforts to apply pressure on the Maduro regime, reinforcing their stance against the corruption and illegal activities perpetrated by his administration. The story of the plane’s seizure was first reported by CNN, highlighting the ongoing international scrutiny surrounding Maduro’s leadership and the U.S.’s resolve to enforce sanctions.
This development adds to the growing list of actions taken by the U.S. in response to the Maduro regime’s disregard for democratic processes and human rights in Venezuela. The seizure of the aircraft underscores the U.S.’s broader strategy of using legal and economic measures to isolate and weaken Maduro’s hold on power. The international community continues to watch closely as the situation in Venezuela unfolds, with many hoping for a resolution that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people.
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