United States Seizes Aircraft Used by Nicolás Maduro Moros for Violating U.S. Export Control and Sanctions Laws

U.S. Seizes Dassault Falcon 900EX Aircraft Illegally Exported for Nicolás Maduro's Benefit

The Justice Department announced the seizure of a Dassault Falcon 900EX aircraft, which was owned and operated for the benefit of Nicolás Maduro Moros and his associates in Venezuela. The aircraft, illegally exported from the United States, was seized in the Dominican Republic and subsequently transferred to the Southern District of Florida. The seizure was made in response to violations of U.S. export control and sanctions laws.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated, “This morning, the Justice Department seized an aircraft that was allegedly purchased illegally for $13 million through a shell company and smuggled out of the United States for use by Nicolás Maduro and his associates. The Department remains committed to pursuing those who violate our sanctions and export controls, ensuring they cannot use American resources to undermine U.S. national security.”

Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod added, “This seizure sends a clear message: aircraft illegally acquired from the U.S. for the benefit of sanctioned Venezuelan officials will not escape justice. We will relentlessly work with our global partners to identify and recover any aircraft smuggled out of the United States.”

U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida emphasized, “The seizure of the Dassault Falcon 900EX illustrates our unwavering commitment to enforcing U.S. export control laws and imposing sanctions for violations. This successful seizure is a result of the coordination and execution by the U.S. government, with crucial assistance from the Dominican Republic. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to forfeit this aircraft and any other assets that violate the law.”

Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami noted, “This aircraft seizure is another significant action against the illegal activities of the Maduro regime. It highlights HSI’s global reach and our commitment to enforcing U.S. sanctions and stopping the flow of illicit proceeds from high-level foreign public corruption.”

The investigation revealed that in late 2022 and early 2023, associates of Maduro allegedly used a Caribbean-based shell company to conceal their involvement in the illegal purchase of the Dassault Falcon 900EX (valued at approximately $13 million) from a Florida-based company. The aircraft was then illegally exported from the U.S. to Venezuela via the Caribbean in April 2023. Since May 2023, the Dassault Falcon, bearing tail number T7-ESPRT, has been primarily used to transport Maduro and his representatives, including for international visits, and has flown almost exclusively to and from a Venezuelan military base.

The case is being investigated by the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security Miami Field Office, alongside the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Dorado Task Force 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 managing the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and HSI in Santo Domingo provided significant support in collaborating with Dominican authorities. The United States expresses gratitude to the Dominican Republic for its assistance.

In any forfeiture proceeding, the government bears the burden of proving the forfeiture is justified.