Requested concerning the seizure of the aircraft, a White Home Nationwide Safety Council official launched a press release that pointed to Mr. Maduro’s doubtful declare to victory within the election.
“Final week, one of many rectors of Venezuela’s Nationwide Electoral Council additional confirmed that Maduro has not supplied proof that he gained this election,” the White Home mentioned in a press release. “America, in coordination with our companions, is working to make sure that the desire of the Venezuelan folks, expressed by way of the July 28 elections, is revered.
The Justice Division mentioned US investigators had found that folks linked to Mr Maduro in late 2022 and early 2023 used a shell firm primarily based within the Caribbean to purchase the aircraft from an organization in Florida . The aircraft was then illegally exported to Venezuela through the Caribbean in April 2023, the division mentioned, including that since Might 2023 the aircraft, which has the tail quantity T7-ESPRT, has flown virtually solely to and from a army base in Venezuela .
Amongst different issues, it was used to move Mr. Maduro to and from different nations, the division mentioned.
In its assertion, the company thanked the Dominican Republic for its help within the operation.
An official within the Dominican Republic mentioned the 2 governments cooperated to seize the aircraft in Might at Dr. Joaquin Balaguer Worldwide Airport, also referred to as La Isabela Worldwide Airport. Officers in Venezuela introduced the aircraft to the Dominican Republic for upkeep, the official mentioned. America requested its seizure by way of judicial channels and Dominican authorities complied, mentioned the official, who spoke on situation of anonymity to debate a delicate operation.
The Justice Division mentioned the sale and export of the aircraft violated an govt order signed by President Donald J. Trump in 2019 that restricts commerce between america and Venezuela and that it violates export controls set by the Commerce Division.
Hogla Enesia Perez contributed reporting from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
