US authorities have seized a plane belonging to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro for violating American sanctions.
The Dassault Falcon 900EX aircraft was seized in the Dominican Republic and brought to Florida. According to the US Department of Justice, the aircraft was illegally purchased through a shell company for $13 million and smuggled out of the US. The Venezuelan government condemned the seizure as "piracy" and criticized the American coercive measures. The US does not recognize Maduro as a legitimate president and considers his re-election to be rigged.