NAIROBI, Kenya — Eighteen suspects accused of involvement in the 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise have been transferred from Haiti to the United States to face federal charges in Florida.
The suspects were flown aboard a US military aircraft and taken to South Florida, where they are expected to appear before the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
US Attorney Jason Reding Quiñones said the transfer marked a new phase in efforts to prosecute those involved in the killing.
“Five years later, we are still bringing defendants before American courts, and we are not finished,” Quiñones said.
US authorities said 30 people have now been indicted in connection with the assassination.
Joseph Felix Badio Among Those Transferred
Among those transferred is Joseph Felix Badio, a former official at Haiti’s Ministry of Justice who has been identified by authorities as a key suspect in the investigation.
The other 17 transferred suspects are Colombian nationals, according to Haitian and Colombian sources. Colombia’s Foreign Ministry said it was monitoring the transfer of its citizens but did not intervene in the decision or process.
The transfer follows years of legal proceedings in Haiti, where the case has faced delays amid severe political and security problems.
Moise Killed at His Home in 2021
Moise, 53, was shot dead at his private residence near Port-au-Prince on July 7, 2021.
The attack was carried out by an armed group that included former Colombian soldiers. The assassination plunged Haiti into a deeper political crisis and was followed by the growing influence of armed gangs across the country.
US prosecutors have alleged that the assassination plot was organised partly from American soil, giving US courts jurisdiction over parts of the case.
Four Men Already Convicted in Miami
The latest transfers come after four men were convicted in a Miami federal court in May over their alleged roles in the plot.
They were convicted on charges including conspiracy to kill or kidnap Moise, conspiracy to provide material support and violating the US Neutrality Act through an illicit military operation abroad.
The defendants could face life imprisonment.
US prosecutors said the men were linked to CTU Security, a Florida-based private security company, and were attracted to the plot by the prospect of lucrative business contracts following Moise’s removal.
The allegations are part of the prosecution’s case and remain subject to the judicial process for defendants who have not been convicted.
US Pursues Wider Assassination Plot
FBI Special Agent Brett Skiles said the latest arrests demonstrated the agency’s determination to pursue everyone involved in the assassination.
US prosecutors said investigators would continue following evidence relating to people who allegedly financed, facilitated, or supported the operation.
The Justice Department said the latest operation involved coordinated international arrests and the transfer of the 18 defendants to the United States.
Haiti Still Struggles With Political and Security Crisis
Moise’s assassination left Haiti facing a prolonged political vacuum and worsening insecurity.
The country has been without an elected president as powerful armed groups have expanded their control, particularly around Port-au-Prince.
Haiti is preparing for presidential and legislative elections, as well as a constitutional referendum, although the ability to hold the vote will depend heavily on security conditions.
The United Nations-backed security mission assisting Haitian police has also faced challenges in reaching its planned staffing levels, further complicating efforts to contain gang violence.
