US files complaint over smuggled aircraft it says benefited Venezuela's Maduro

FILE PHOTO: A U.S. Justice Department logo or seal showing Justice Department headquarters, known as "Main Justice," is seen behind the podium in the Department's headquarters briefing in Washington, January 24, 2023. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque//File Photo

(Reuters) - The U.S. Justice Department on Tuesday filed a civil forfeiture complaint regarding an aircraft it said had been smuggled from the United States and operated for the benefit of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in violation of sanctions.

Maduro and his government have always rejected sanctions by the United States and others, saying they are illegitimate measures that amount to an "economic war" designed to cripple Venezuela.

The Dassault Falcon 900 EX aircraft was seized last year in the Dominican Republic, according to a statement from the U.S. Justice Department.

In February, the Venezuelan government rejected the seizure of government aircraft by the United States, calling it "blatant theft" and saying the move was illegal.

(Reporting by Costas Pitas)