An Associated Press investigation published on 29 October 2025 discussed a 16-month covert operation in which United States federal agent Edwin F. Lopez sought to convince the chief pilot of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro to redirect an aircraft so United States authorities could attempt an interception during a controlled diversion.
The investigation stated that Lopez first contacted the pilot inside a restricted airport hangar and was presented with a significant financial incentive and suggested long-term personal security. The pilot accepted a communication number but did not offer confirmation of cooperation. This left the proposal uncertain while avoiding any direct endorsement.
Moreover, following the initial meeting, communication via encrypted messaging platforms allowed routine exchanges for the entire 16-month period. Lopez continued outreach even after retirement in July 2025. He then forwarded a Justice Department notice on August 7 indicating that the federal reward had increased to 50 million U.S. dollars.
The report explained that the attempted recruitment occurred during a period of rising U.S. pressure on Venezuela directed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump authorized CIA activity inside Venezuela and intensified regional anti-drug operations. This created an environment that advanced multiple initiatives aimed at weakening Maduro.
All initiatives reflected a broader strategy that relied on coordinated pressure rather than a single pathway. Higher federal rewards, military deployments, and intelligence operations formed a combined approach designed to shift conditions inside Venezuela and influence the stability of the Maduro government through persistent external actions.
Associated Press reporters reviewed encrypted message logs and authenticated materials that documented the extended exchanges between Lopez and the pilot. Sources interviewed for the investigation included current and former United States officials, along with a Maduro opponent, who all provided context under anonymity to maintain their safety.
Officials familiar with the matter indicated that awareness of the outreach existed across several agencies. But oversight appeared limited. The prolonged nature of the contact raised questions regarding legal boundaries for covert engagement with individuals linked to foreign political leadership or potential internal assets in a foreign operation.
The failed plan demonstrated operational danger and diplomatic risk for actions pursued outside fully supervised channels. They emphasized that attempts to influence individuals with direct access to foreign heads of state require clear authority and strict monitoring. Missteps can escalate tensions and complicate broader international relationships.
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