The Justice Department alleges the Dassault Falcon 900EX aircraft was purchased in Florida by the Venezuelan leader's associates through a shell company in violation of sanctions and export controls.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's government faces a deadline this week — to commit to holding free and fair elections or face renewed U.S. oil sanctions.
The Biden administration has extended an olive branch to Venezuela. It might sway Caracas to resume talks with the opposition for elections, and eventually let Venezuelan oil back on the world market.
