U.S. Authorities Seize Foreign President’s Plane: Report

U.S. authorities seized Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s plane and flew the aircraft Monday to Florida, two American officials told CNN.

American authorities seized the plane while it was in the Dominican Republic after they determined that it violated sanctions, the outlet reported.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) reportedly “seized an aircraft we allege was illegally purchased for $13 million through a shell company and smuggled out of the United States for the use of Nicolas Maduro and his cronies,” according to a statement from Attorney General Merrick Garland.

More details: https://t.co/aX7bOgfVLz

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The plane had been in the Dominican Republic for months prior to its seizure, CNN reported. American officials cooperated with local authorities to execute their operation, the outlet noted. The Dominican Republic reportedly alerted Venezuela of its seizure. The plane was described as Venezuela’s version of Air Force One, the outlet reported.

“This sends a message all the way up to the top,” a U.S. official told CNN. “Seizing the foreign head of state’s plane is unheard-of for criminal matters. We’re sending a clear message here that no one is above the law, no one is above the reach of US sanctions.” (Read more from “U.S. Authorities Seize Foreign President’s Plane: Report” HERE)