The U.S. Justice Department announced on Monday that it had seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s plane, a Dassault Falcon 900EX, and transported it to Florida. The aircraft was originally apprehended in the Dominican Republic due to violations of U.S. export control and sanctions laws.

Attorney General Merrick Garland stated, “This morning, the Justice Department seized an aircraft we allege was illegally purchased for $13 million through a shell company and smuggled out of the United States for use by Nicolás Maduro and his cronies.” He emphasized the department’s commitment to enforcing sanctions and preventing the misuse of American resources that could undermine U.S. national security.

The seizure comes amid ongoing tensions following Maduro’s contested presidential reelection in June. The U.S. and several other nations have questioned the legitimacy of the election results, with the U.S. officially recognizing opposition candidate Edmundo González as the rightful winner.