GM's Venezuela plant, assets seized by authorities

April 20 (UPI) -- General Motors said it has ceased all operations in Venezuela after authorities unexpectedly seized its plant in the city of Valencia.

A court in the Zulia state said it imposed a broad embargo on the assets of General Motors Venezolana, C.A., or GMV, which has been in operation for nearly seven decades. GMV said authorities seized its plant Wednesday afternoon and that its associated bank accounts likely are also out of its control, meaning the company cannot make payments, such as employee wages.

GMV called the act "improper, absurd, outside of legal logic and due process."

"GMV is taking all legal measures within its reach in order to protect the rights of its workers and their property," the company said in a statement.

The company called on workers, suppliers, dealers and external operators to refrain from reporting to work at the plant or other jobs until the court ruling is reversed.

El Universal reported the seizure is likely related to a lawsuit against the company filed by a former landowner in Maracaibo.