The United States reportedly tried to enlist the personal pilot of Nicolás Maduro in a daring scheme to abduct the Venezuelan leader mid-flight, offering him money and protection in return for his cooperation.
This bold plan, orchestrated by a seasoned federal agent, highlights the extent to which Washington was willing to go to apprehend Maduro, who is accused of narcoterrorism.
The Proposal: "You'll Be Rich"
This Hollywood-esque offer involved diverting the presidential plane carrying Maduro to a location where U.S. agents could seize him. In exchange, the pilot was promised not only protection from Washington but also substantial wealth.
"I'm still waiting for your response," wrote agent Edwin López on August 7 to the pilot, attaching a statement from the Department of Justice, as reported by AP. The reward for Maduro's capture had just been increased to $50 million.
A Meeting at La Isabela Airport
The covert conversation took place in 2024 in a hangar at La Isabela Airport in Santo Domingo. Here, López met General Bitner Villegas, a Venezuelan air force colonel and frequent pilot for Maduro. Villegas was the last of five pilots summoned for what was described as "a simple chat," but López had bigger plans for him.
"You could be a hero to millions of Venezuelans," López urged. The pilot listened but did not commit, though he did share his cell phone number, initiating a clandestine connection that lasted 16 months, even after López retired from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Unfolding the Plot: A Lead in Santo Domingo
The plan took shape in April 2024 when an anonymous informant approached the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic, then under President Joe Biden's administration. The source claimed that two private jets used by Maduro were undergoing repairs in Santo Domingo, potentially breaching U.S. sanctions.
López, a special agent with the DHS and former Army Ranger, was investigating Caribbean criminal networks. He saw an opportunity: tracking the aircraft could lead to Maduro himself. The jets—a Dassault Falcon 2000EX and a Falcon 900EX—were vulnerable assets.
Villegas: Trust and Tension
Bitner Villegas was not an ordinary pilot; he had flown both Maduro and his predecessor, Chávez. He was seen in official videos greeting Russian pilots from the cockpit, symbolizing his place in the inner circle of presidential loyalty.
During their meeting, López casually discussed aircraft, celebrities, and missions. However, when the topic shifted to Maduro, Villegas became visibly tense. He eventually admitted, "I've flown with Chávez and Maduro," displaying photos on his phone with both leaders.
López then made his proposal: deliver Maduro in exchange for wealth and protection. "The location is your choice—Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, or Guantanamo," he offered. Villegas did not agree but left the door open.
Covert Communications and a Personal Mission
Though Villegas returned to Venezuela, López persisted. Through WhatsApp and Telegram, he maintained contact, trying to persuade the pilot. This effort became a personal mission for López.
Even after his retirement from the DHS in July 2025, López continued. A Venezuelan opposition member in exile described him as someone with "an unfinished mission." Yet, Villegas remained distant.
The final attempt came in September when López, using a new number, observed a presidential plane making a peculiar turn after taking off from Caracas. He messaged:
— "Where are you going?"
— "Who is this?" Villegas replied.
López identified himself, and the conversation grew hostile.
— "Venezuelans are of a different breed. The last thing we are is traitors," Villegas wrote.
López sent a photo of their hangar meeting. Villegas responded: "Are you crazy?"
"A little…" was the agent's final reply before the pilot blocked him.
U.S. Seizes Jets: A "Treasure Trove of Intelligence"
While attempting to recruit the pilot, López also coordinated the seizure of the jets. One was confiscated in September 2024 and the other in February 2025 during Secretary of State Marco Rubio's first international trip.
Rubio praised the operation at a press conference, calling the plane's contents a "treasure trove of intelligence," including lists of officers, flight paths, and classified documents. Venezuela reacted angrily, accusing Rubio of "blatant theft."
Trump's Aggressive Strategy: Military Action and Covert Ops
Since returning to the White House, Donald Trump has intensified U.S. policy towards Venezuela. This summer, he deployed thousands of troops and warships to the Caribbean, resulting in at least 57 deaths in anti-drug operations.
In October, he authorized CIA covert operations within Venezuela and doubled the bounty for Maduro—an opportunity López tried to leverage in his communications.
Frustrated by Villegas' silence, López and his allies sought to psychologically unsettle Maduro. On September 19, former national security official Marshall Billingslea posted a birthday message for Villegas on X, sharing a cropped photo from the secret meeting alongside an official image of the pilot.
The post coincided with a presidential plane's takeoff, which unexpectedly returned to the airport shortly after. Venezuelan social media buzzed with speculation: had the pilot been arrested?
Villegas was out of sight for several days but reemerged on September 24 on a TV program hosted by Diosdado Cabello. Wearing a serious expression, a flight uniform, and raising his fist, Villegas was introduced as "an unwavering patriot."
Exploring the Attempted Recruitment of Maduro's Pilot
Why did the U.S. attempt to recruit Maduro's pilot?
The U.S. sought to enlist Maduro's pilot in an effort to capture the Venezuelan leader, who is accused of narcoterrorism, by diverting his plane to a location where he could be apprehended.
What incentives were offered to the pilot?
The pilot was promised protection from Washington and considerable financial gain in exchange for his cooperation in delivering Maduro.
How did Venezuela respond to the U.S. actions?
Venezuela responded with outrage, accusing the United States and Marco Rubio of "blatant theft" following the seizure of private jets linked to Maduro.
What role did Edwin López play in the plot?
Edwin López, a former DHS agent, spearheaded the recruitment attempt and maintained contact with the pilot, despite retiring, turning it into a personal mission.