Grab 'em by the BizJet

U.S. Seizes Aircraft Used by Nicolás Maduro in Violation of Sanctions

Since May 2023, the Dassault Falcon, tail number T7-ESPRT, has been used for the benefit of Maduro and his representatives, including to transport Maduro on visits to other countries. (900LX shown)

Dassault Photo

Posted Tuesday, March 18, 2025 5:30 pm

The United States has filed a civil forfeiture complaint in the Southern District of Florida against a Dassault Falcon 900 EX aircraft, tail number T7-ESPRT, used by Nicolás Maduro Moros and his regime in violation of U.S. sanctions and export laws. The aircraft was seized last year in the Dominican Republic at the request of the U.S.

The complaint alleges that the aircraft was purchased and maintained illegally, violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and money laundering laws. Since 2014, the U.S. has imposed sanctions on Venezuela to counter political oppression and corruption. Executive Order 13884 prohibits transactions benefiting the Maduro Regime.

Illicit Purchase and Operation

In January 2023, a St. Vincent-based shell company (Foreign Company 1) purchased the aircraft from a Florida seller for $13.25 million, concealing ties to Maduro.
Payments were funneled through multiple international wire transfers, including from Malaysia.
The aircraft departed the U.S. for St. Vincent on April 3, 2023, then flew to Caracas piloted by Venezuelan Presidential Honor Guard members.
Since May 2023, it has made at least 21 trips for Maduro, including for a December 2023 U.S. prisoner exchange.
In March 2024, it was taken to the Dominican Republic for maintenance under false ownership claims.
In May 2024, Venezuelan officials attempted twice to retrieve the aircraft before U.S. authorities secured its seizure.

On September 2, 2024, the aircraft was transported to the U.S., with the Maduro Regime later admitting its use. A second Dassault Falcon, tied to Venezuelan state oil company PdVSA, was also seized in the Dominican Republic on February 6, 2025, for violating sanctions.

Investigation and Legal Action

The case is being investigated by the Department of Commerce, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Santo Domingo, and other agencies. U.S. Attorneys Joshua Paster and Jorge Delgado, along with National Security Division Trial Attorney Ahmed Almudallal, are handling the matter. The Justice Department acknowledges the cooperation of the Dominican Republic in this enforcement action.

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Vol 45 No. 15 April 14, 2025

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