US Department of Justice seeks forfeiture of Venezuelan plane

by Dominik Sipinski

The United States Department of Justice has filed a forfeiture complaint against Falcon 900EX T7-ESPRT (msn 007) allegedly acquired from a US company, a front firm in St Vincent and the Grenadines on behalf of the government of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. The US government alleges such actions violated multiple laws, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and money laundering rules.

The complaint filed at the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida on March 18, 2025, alleges that in January 2023, a company incorporated in St. Vincent and the Grenadines purchased the Dassault Aviation aircraft from a Florida company for US$13.25 million. The Caribbean firm concealed that it was a front for the Maduro government. The person responsible for finalising the transaction was reportedly a Venezuelan national close to the authorities. The firm subsequently dissolved in 2024.

The payments for the aircraft were reportedly transferred in multiple tranches from various accounts, including one in Malaysia.

The Falcon was re-registered in San Marino in late January, 2023, and then ferried out of Boca Raton on April 3. While the first flight was to St. Vincent Argyle International, the aircraft was immediately ferried onwards to Caracas La Carlota. The US DOJ alleges that it was piloted by two members of the Venezuelan Presidential Honour Guard on the way to the country, and was accompanied by a Turbo Commander operated by the Fuerza Aérea Venezolana/Venezuelan Air Force.

After the Falcon was ferried to the Dominican Republic for maintenance in March 2024, the individuals allegedly affiliated with the Maduro government tried to recover it at least. The US seized the 28.6-year-old aircraft at Santo Domingo La Isabela in the Dominican Republic in September, 2024 ,and subsequently repatriated it to Fort Lauderdale, where it remains parked.
The Venezuelan government confirmed the aircraft was used on its behalf when it protested the seizure.

In February 2025, also at La Isabela, the US marshalls seized another bizjet, a Falcon 2000EX, allegedly used on behalf of the Venezuelan government.