Dominican Republic confirms Maduro's plane seized during maintenance: Video
The Dominican Republic government has confirmed that the aircraft belonging to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, recently seized by the United States, was in the country for routine maintenance.
Roberto Alvarez, Minister of Foreign Relations for the Dominican Republic, revealed that the government received a U.S. court order on September 2, authorising the delivery of the Dassault Falcon 900EX aircraft, AFP reports.
He explained that the Dominican government played no part in the investigation, which is part of a larger criminal probe by the U.S. Department of Justice. “This is all part of a criminal investigation by the US Department of Justice. The aircraft was in Dominican territory for maintenance, which is normal given the high quality of services available for this type of aircraft in the country," he said.
Alvarez emphasised that the Dominican Republic only complied with the legal cooperation requested by the U.S., following proper procedures and obtaining the necessary court orders. “Norms were followed and court orders were obtained, and the Public Prosecutor's Office complied with what was ordered by the courts," he added.
President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, reiterated the words of his Foreign Minister. "There are several aircraft repair shops here and it is normal that aircraft from all over the region come here to be repaired and maintained, receiving the usual maintenance that any aircraft needs," he said.
The U.S. alleges that individuals linked to Maduro used a shell company in the Caribbean to conceal their involvement in the aircraft's illegal purchase in late 2022 and early 2023.
The seizure of the plane comes at a time of heightened tension in Venezuela, following the disputed July 28 presidential election in which Maduro was declared the winner.
