Dominican Republic says it did not participate in US investigation into Maduro’s plane

“This morning, the Department of Justice seized an aircraft that 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.

“He Department “We 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,” he added.

“Let this seizure send a clear message: aircraft illegally acquired from the United States for the benefit of sanctioned Venezuelan officials cannot simply disappear,” said Commerce Department Under Secretary for Export Control Matthew S. Axelrod.

“No matter how luxurious the private jet or how powerful the officials, we will work tirelessly with our partners here and around the world to identify and return any aircraft illegally smuggled out of the United States,” he said.