U.S. Justice Department Seizes $13 Million Private Jet Linked to Narco Boss Maduro in Major Sanctions Crackdown from Dominican Republic

U.S. Justice Department Seizes $13 Million Dassault Falcon 900EX Used by Nicolás Maduro’s Regime

The United States Continues to Enforce Export Controls and Sanctions Vigorously

In a significant move against Nicolás Maduro’s regime, the U.S. Justice Department today announced the successful seizure of a Dassault Falcon 900EX aircraft. The plane, owned and operated for the benefit of Maduro and his affiliates in Venezuela, was apprehended in the Dominican Republic and subsequently transferred to the Southern District of Florida. The seizure was executed at the request of the United States, citing violations of U.S. export control and sanctions laws, demonstrating the effectiveness of the U.S. government’s actions.

Attorney General’s Statement

“This morning, the Justice Department seized an aircraft we allege was illegally purchased for $13 million through a shell company and smuggled out of the United States for use by Nicolás Maduro and his cronies,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “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.”

Enforcement and Message

Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod of the Department of Commerce emphasized the significance of the seizure, stating, “Let this seizure send a clear message: aircraft illegally acquired from the United States for the benefit of sanctioned Venezuelan officials cannot just fly off into the sunset. It doesn’t matter how fancy the private jet or how powerful the officials – we will work relentlessly with our partners here and across the globe to identify and return any aircraft illegally smuggled outside of the United States.”

Collaboration and Coordination

U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida highlighted the coordinated efforts that led to the successful seizure. “The United States’ seizure of the Dassault Falcon 900EX aircraft illustrates our unrelenting commitment to enforcing U.S. export control laws and imposing U.S. sanctions for violations. This successful seizure resulted from planning, coordination, and execution by the United States government, with invaluable assistance from the authorities in the Dominican Republic.”

Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami echoed these sentiments, noting that the seizure marks another significant action against the Maduro regime’s illegal activities. “The efforts here highlight HSI’s global reach and our continued commitment to enforcing U.S. sanctions and stemming the flow of illicit proceeds generated from high-level foreign public corruption.”

Background of the Case

The case dates back to August 2019, when the President issued Executive Order 13884, prohibiting U.S. persons from engaging in transactions with individuals acting on behalf of the Venezuelan government, including members of the Maduro regime. The U.S. Department of Commerce has also imposed strict export controls on items intended for Venezuelan military or intelligence end users.

According to the investigation, individuals affiliated with Maduro allegedly used a Caribbean-based shell company in late 2022 and early 2023 to conceal their involvement in illegally purchasing the Dassault Falcon 900EX aircraft from a company in the Southern District of Florida. The plane, valued at approximately $13 million, was illegally exported from the U.S. to Venezuela through the Caribbean in April 2023. Since May 2023, the aircraft, bearing tail number T7-ESPRT, has flown primarily to and from a military base in Venezuela and has been used for Maduro’s benefit, including transporting him on international visits.

Continuing Investigation and Legal Proceedings

The case is under investigation by the Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security Miami Field Office, the Department of Homeland Security, and HSI’s El Dorado Task Force in Miami. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Paster and Jorge Delgado for the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorney Ahmed Almudallal of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are handling the matter. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and HSI in Santo Domingo played crucial roles in securing cooperation from Dominican authorities.

The United States has expressed its gratitude to the Dominican Republic for its assistance in this matter. It is important to note that the government bears the burden of proving the aircraft’s forfeitability in a forfeiture proceeding.

Conclusion

This seizure underscores the U.S. government’s unwavering resolve to enforce export controls and sanctions, particularly against high-level foreign officials engaged in corrupt practices. As the legal proceedings unfold, this case will remain a focal point in the ongoing efforts to hold the Maduro regime accountable for its actions.