US Takes Custody of 18 Suspects in Haitian President’s Assassination

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Washington: The United States has taken custody of 18 defendants accused of involvement in the 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, sending them from Haiti to Florida to face federal prosecution. The squad consists of 17 former Colombian soldiers and Joseph Félix Badio, a former Haitian Justice Ministry officer. The accused were brought to South Florida as part of the US investigation into the crime.

On July 7, 2021, Moïse, 53, was fatally shot at his private apartment in Port-au-Prince. Martine Moïse, his wife, also sustained injuries during the attack. Investigators claim the assassination was part of a larger scheme to remove Moïse from power.

The US Justice Department has been investigating the matter because investigators believe portions of the alleged conspiracy were planned or funded in the United States. Four defendants were found guilty in a US federal court in May 2026, while others had earlier pled guilty. Prosecutors have stated that the probe extends beyond those who directly participated in the attack to those accused of supporting and financing the operation.

The lawsuit has also encountered considerable challenges in Haiti, where legal hearings have been frequently postponed due to political unrest and poor security. Some of the Colombian accused have challenged elements of the allegations, with their defense citing coercion and the circumstances under which statements were acquired. These claims will be resolved by the US judicial system.

The relocation of the 18 suspects is a significant development in the ongoing investigation. US authorities indicated that they will continue to investigate the broad conspiracy and the roles done by others. Moïse's assassination is a significant incident in Haiti's recent political crisis, which has led to prolonged instability and growing gang violence.