By Luis De Jesus
The Venezuelan government announced on Monday that it will take legal action over the confiscation of Nicolás Maduro’s official plane, seized in the Dominican Republic under orders from the United States authorities.
This measure was implemented in the context of sanctions imposed on Caracas by Washington.
In a statement, the Venezuelan government described the confiscation as an act of piracy and said it reserves the right to take any necessary legal action. It also described the US policy as criminal and delinquent.
According to authorities, the Dassault Falcon 900 was illegally acquired for $13 million and has been used by Maduro and people close to his government since its acquisition.
The Justice Department maintains that the aircraft was purchased through a shell company and then illegally exported from the United States to Venezuela.
For its part, the Venezuelan regime accuses the United States of using its economic and military power to pressure other countries to collaborate in actions that violate international law. In this case, the Chavistas were referring to the Dominican Republic, where the jet had been stationed since May.
Caracas also considers that this confiscation is part of an escalation of measures against it, especially after the elections of July 28, the result of which has been questioned by several countries and the Venezuelan democratic opposition.
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said he will continue to pursue those who violate sanctions and export controls, and will not allow the use of U.S. resources to compromise national security.
Continue reading:
• This is what the Falcon 900 looks like inside, the high-end aircraft that the US seized from Maduro
• How much is Maduro’s luxury jet that the United States just confiscated worth?
• US confiscates plane belonging to Nicolás Maduro’s regime in the Dominican Republic