U.S. Formally Seizes Second Plane Linked to Venezuela’s Maduro
The United States has formally seized a second aircraft tied to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s government, marking another escalation in the long-standing tensions between Washington and Caracas.
On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio personally oversaw the seizure of the aircraft, a Dassault Falcon 200EX (tail number YV-3360), in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. This follows a similar incident in September 2024, when another Venezuelan plane was seized and flown to Florida under the Biden administration.
Why Was the Plane Seized?
According to Edwin Lopez, the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) attaché in Santo Domingo, the seized aircraft had been under U.S. sanctions and had been held in Dominican Republic since April 2024.
- The plane was originally purchased in 2017 by PDVSA, Venezuela’s state-owned oil company.
- After the U.S. imposed sanctions on PDVSA, the aircraft was serviced and maintained using U.S.-made parts, violating U.S. export control and sanctions laws.
During the seizure, Rubio watched as a warrant was taped to the aircraft’s door, signifying its official confiscation. The U.S. plans to relocate the plane to Miami in the coming months.
What This Means for U.S. Investigators
Authorities believe both seized aircraft hold critical intelligence on high-ranking Venezuelan officials.
“These two planes provide us with a treasure trove of intelligence,” Lopez told Rubio. He noted that the aircraft contain:
- A list of Venezuela’s Air Force members and their personal details.
- Receipts and flight manifests documenting the movements of Maduro’s inner circle.
- Transponder data, which could reveal previously blocked flight information.
Long-Running U.S. Investigation into Venezuela
First Plane Seizure (September 2024)
The first aircraft was seized in September 2024 after a U.S. investigation into its ownership and use by Maduro’s regime. Former U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland revealed that:
- The plane was illegally purchased for $13 million through a shell company.
- It was smuggled out of the U.S. and used for high-level government travel, including an OPEC meeting in the UAE.
- U.S. officials sought to immobilize and inspect it for potential links to fraud, smuggling, and money laundering.
Venezuelan officials reacted by calling the U.S. action “piracy” and accused Washington of escalating aggression against Maduro’s government.
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U.S. Crackdown on Maduro’s Finances
For years, the U.S. has targeted Maduro’s regime, aiming to disrupt billions of dollars flowing into his government. Federal investigations have resulted in:
- The seizure of dozens of luxury vehicles and assets linked to Venezuela.
- Increased pressure on corruption networks tied to Maduro’s leadership.
Tensions intensified after Maduro’s controversial third-term election in July, prompting the U.S. to reimpose sanctions on Venezuela’s oil and gas sector in response to alleged election manipulation.
Maduro’s Legal Troubles in the U.S.
The U.S. formally charged Maduro and 14 other Venezuelan officials in March 2020 with:
- Narco-terrorism
- Drug trafficking
- Corruption
Maduro’s government has repeatedly denied these allegations, dismissing U.S. claims as politically motivated.
What’s Next?
The seized aircraft will be transported to Miami in the coming months, where U.S. authorities will conduct further investigations. Meanwhile, tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela are expected to remain high, especially as Washington continues to pressure Maduro’s government through sanctions and legal actions.
