US Seizes Jet Owned By Venezuela Over Alleged Sanctions Violations

The U.S. has seized a Dassault Falcon 2000EX tied to the Venezuelan oil giant, PdVSA, marking a decisive move in the ongoing enforcement of international sanctions.

Key Insights

The Venezuelan government-owned plane was seized for sanctions violations.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s assets are being heavily monitored.
The seizure aligns with U.S. policy under Executive Order 13884.
This reflects broader international efforts to curb illegal activities by the Maduro regime.

U.S. Seizure of Venezuelan Aircraft

On Thursday, Feb. 6, U.S. authorities seized a Dassault Falcon 2000EX in the Dominican Republic. The plane, owned by the Venezuelan oil conglomerate PdVSA, allegedly facilitated illegal activities bypassing U.S. sanctions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the importance of this enforcement action during his visit to the Dominican Republic.

Engineered for evasion, the aircraft was allegedly purchased in the U.S. in 2017, designated YV-3360, and included unauthorized American-made components. Despite prohibitions under a 2019 executive order by President Donalde Trump, the plane reportedly facilitated high-level regime activities, raising tensions further.

US seizes second plane owned by Venezuelan government in Dominican Republic, citing evasion of sanctions https://t.co/2ijiJcxgdO

— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 7, 2025

Background of International Sanctions

Executive Order 13884, signed by Trump, banned transactions with PdVSA and other entities linked to the Maduro regime. The seizure of the Falcon 2000EX underscores the ongoing enforcement of these measures, intended to disrupt regime capabilities to circumvent established laws.

“The seizure of this Venezuelan aircraft, used for evading U.S. sanctions and money laundering, is a powerful example of our resolve to hold the illegitimate Maduro regime accountable for its illegal actions,” Rubio said.

The aircraft’s role in transporting Venezuela’s Oil Minister Manuel Salvador Quevedo Fernandez brought it directly into the spotlight, involving high-ranking officials alleged to have violated sanctions repeatedly.

Broader Implications and Enforcement

The U.S. government’s approach aims to counteract the Maduro regime’s misappropriation of PdVSA assets, highlighting a broader international concerted effort. U.S. Attorney Hayden O’Byrne highlighted asset forfeiture as an effective law enforcement tool to deter misconduct globally.

This action against the Falcon 2000EX is part of the United States’ enforcement of sanctions and export control laws, working with international allies like the Dominican Republic. These efforts aim to protect national security interests while addressing illegal activities at global levels.