Overview
- Homeland Security Investigations attaché Edwin Lopez approached presidential pilot Bitner Villegas in May 2024 in Santo Domingo, offering wealth and public acclaim if he diverted Nicolás Maduro’s jet to Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic or Guantanamo Bay.
- The Associated Press reviewed and authenticated encrypted chats showing Lopez pursued Villegas for months, including after retiring, before the pilot rejected the overture and blocked further contact in September.
- The recruitment push unfolded as Washington escalated pressure on Caracas with a large naval deployment, lethal strikes on suspected drug-trafficking boats, a $50 million reward for Maduro’s arrest, and authorization for CIA covert action inside Venezuela.
- Federal authorities later seized two jets tied to Maduro’s travel in the Dominican Republic through forfeiture actions reported to have occurred in September 2024 and February 2025.
- Opposition-aligned online posts stoked doubts about the pilot’s loyalty, and Villegas subsequently appeared on Venezuelan state television beside Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello as officials asserted his allegiance.