The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has seized an airplane associated with Venezuelan President Maduro. 

The aircraft, the Venezuelan equivalent of Air Force One, is a Dassault 900, valued at $13 million. 

The seizure of the aircraft is part of broader efforts to enforce U.S. sanctions and address allegations of election tampering by Maduro's regime.

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Venezuelan President Maduro Plane Seized

On Monday, the DOJ announced the seizure, which followed a Homeland Security-led investigation. The plane was discovered in the Dominican Republic and transported to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where it now resides at the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport.

Officers were observed removing boxes labeled as evidence from the aircraft.

"This morning, the Justice Department seized an aircraft 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 Garland. He emphasized that the DOJ would continue to target those who violate U.S. sanctions and export controls.

Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami also commented on the operation, stating, "The seizure of this aircraft is another significant action by Homeland Security Investigations working with our domestic and international partners against the illegal activities of the Maduro regime."

Venezuelan Election Tampering

The seizure comes amid ongoing allegations against Maduro regarding the July 28 presidential election in Venezuela.

 A U.S. National Security Council spokesperson confirmed the DOJ's action and highlighted concerns over election tampering by Maduro's government. The spokesperson stressed the importance of ensuring that the Venezuelan people’s will, as expressed in the election, is respected.

Venezuelan streets are filled with protestors calling on embattled president Nicolas Maduro to let humanitarian aid into the economically crippled country. And resign from the presidency.

It has been 3-weeks since a stand-off began between Maduro and opposition leader Juan Guaido.

The 35-year-old National Assembly leader has rejected Maduro’s election last year as illegitimate and declared himself the interim President of Venezuela.

Many Western nations including the Unted States have recognized Guaido as the country’s interim leader.