US files complaint over Maduro-linked smuggled aircraft

The U.S. Justice Department has filed a complaint about a smuggled aircraft used to support Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. This aircraft, a Dassault Falcon 900 EX, was seized in the Dominican Republic last year. The complaint states that the aircraft was operated in violation of U.S. sanctions against Maduro and his government. The Justice Department claims these sanctions are meant to prevent financial support for Maduro’s administration. Maduro and his officials have consistently denied the legitimacy of these sanctions. They describe them as an "economic war" aimed at damaging Venezuela's economy. Recently, the Venezuelan government referred to the seizure of the aircraft as "blatant theft" and claimed it was illegal.