Washington: US authorities executed a covert and audacious operation aimed at kidnapping Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by attempting to bribe his personal pilot. The plan was to convince the pilot to secretly divert Maduro’s plane to a location where US forces could capture him. Despite lasting 16 months and persistent efforts, the plot failed when the pilot rejected the offer and cut off contact.

Origins of the plot

According to an exclusive investigation by the Associated Press, the operation began in April 2024. US Homeland Security Investigations agent Edwin Lopez met with General Bitner Villegas, Maduro’s trusted chief pilot, at La Isabela executive airport in the Dominican Republic. Lopez offered to reroute Maduro's plane to US-controlled locations such as the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, or Guantanamo Bay, promising riches and recognition for Villegas's cooperation.

Extended communication and urging loyalty shift

Villegas, described as loyal and reserved, hesitated but shared his phone number with Lopez. Over the next year, Lopez communicated with Villegas via WhatsApp and Telegram, even after retiring in July 2024. During this time, the US doubled the bounty for Maduro’s capture to $50 million, urging Villegas to “be Venezuela’s hero.”

The operation’s climax and rejection

In September 2024, Lopez sent a final message to Villegas after spotting irregular flight activity from Maduro’s aircraft. Villegas sharply rejected Lopez’s proposal, calling him a “coward” and blocking further contact.

Psychological warfare after the failed plot

Following the failure, the US launched psychological tactics, including a viral social media post by former national security official Marshall Billingslea that showed a photo from the secret meeting, sowing doubt within Maduro’s circle. Maduro’s pilot briefly disappeared from public view before reaffirming loyalty to the regime on Venezuelan state television.

Broader US strategy against Maduro

This kidnapping attempt is part of a wider campaign under President Donald Trump to remove Maduro. The US has authorised CIA covert operations inside Venezuela, deployed military assets in the Caribbean, and intensified strikes on drug trafficking networks. Maduro faces federal narco-terrorism charges in the US linked to cocaine trafficking.

Geopolitical implications

The exposure of this secret plot highlights the high-risk and clandestine nature of Washington’s intensified pressure on Caracas, underscoring the complex geopolitical tensions surrounding Venezuela.