Eighteen individuals have been detained by U.S. authorities in connection with the 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, according to officials.
Moïse, 53, was shot on 7 July 2021 at his private residence by a group of about 20 military‑trained Colombian mercenaries. His own security detail failed to intervene.
The FBI announced the arrests across multiple locations, emphasizing its ongoing commitment to prosecute all participants. The suspects have been transported to Florida for trial. Federal prosecutors note that 30 suspects have been indicted, with 18 now in court.
In May, four men were convicted in Miami on charges including conspiracy to kill or kidnap Moïse and violating the U.S. Neutrality Act. They face possible life sentences and were linked to the Florida‑based private security firm CTU. Eleven others have been indicted, and five have already received life sentences.
Haiti remains in turmoil, lacking a president and preparing for its first election since 2016. Gangs control roughly 80% of Port‑au‑Prince, and violent crime remains high. A UN‑backed gang suppression force, expected to reach 5,500 personnel by October, currently has fewer than 1,000.
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