The United States has seized a private jet belonging to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, alleging that the aircraft was illegally purchased for $13 million and smuggled out of Venezuela.

According to the U.S. Justice Department, the Falcon 900EX aircraft was confiscated in the Dominican Republic and subsequently transferred to Florida.

The seizure has sparked strong condemnation from Venezuela, which labeled the action as an act of "piracy." Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil criticized the U.S., stating that the seizure was justified through "coercive measures" imposed unilaterally and illegally by the U.S. worldwide. The Venezuelan government announced its intention to pursue legal action to address the situation.

U.S. officials claim that the plane was purchased in violation of U.S. export control and sanctions laws. Investigations reportedly revealed that individuals linked to Maduro used a Caribbean-based shell company to conceal their involvement in the aircraft's purchase from a Florida-based company between late 2022 and early 2023. The plane was then allegedly smuggled out of the U.S. to Venezuela via the Caribbean in April 2023.

The aircraft was reportedly used by President Maduro and his affiliates for various international trips. It was primarily flown between Venezuela and other countries, with data indicating that it operated almost exclusively from a military base in Venezuela. The exact circumstances of the plane's arrival in the Dominican Republic remain unclear.

The White House National Security Council described the seizure as a critical step in ensuring that Maduro faces consequences for his actions. Markenzy Lapointe, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, acknowledged the support of Dominican Republic authorities in executing the operation. The U.S. Commerce Department, one of the agencies involved, emphasized its commitment to recovering any illegally smuggled aircraft, regardless of the power or status of those involved.

This incident is the latest in a series of actions taken by U.S. authorities against Maduro and his government, which have been accused of corruption, narco-terrorism, and other crimes. In 2020, the U.S. Justice Department charged Maduro and 14 Venezuelan officials with various offenses, including drug trafficking. The State Department has offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to Maduro's arrest or conviction.

The situation further complicates the already tense relations between the U.S. and Venezuela, with the international community closely watching the developments. (ILKHA)