Dominican Republic ammunition linked to Haitian gangs by UN report

ammunition trafficking UN expert panel Haitian gangs Dominican military security crisis

A United Nations expert panel report has revealed that ammunition used by armed gangs in Haiti corresponds to official supplies from the Dominican Republic. Specifically, 5.56x45 mm cartridges found in Port-au-Prince were identified as being acquired by the Dominican Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces in 2022. The Colombian military manufacturer, Indumil, confirmed that these specific lots were produced under contracts with the Dominican government.

The report highlights a significant diversion of military and police resources, noting that over 900,000 pieces of ammunition have been linked to Haitian criminal networks. This includes the documented detention of a Dominican Army lieutenant in December 2025 while transporting 1,516 cartridges to a Haitian national.

In response, Dominican Foreign Minister Víctor Bisonó suggested the munitions might be decades old, a claim contested by the UN findings which cite 2022 manufacturing dates. The Dominican Ministry of Defense has launched investigations into the traceability of the material and held high-level meetings with military commanders to review security protocols. Meanwhile, political figures have warned that the scandal could damage the Dominican Republic's international reputation.

Entities

Dominican Republic · Ejército de la República Dominicana · Haiti · Indumil · Industria Militar de Colombia · Ministry of Defense of the Dominican Republic · United Nations

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[DISPUTED] The ammunition was manufactured by Colombia's Military Industry (Indumil) under contracts signed in 2022 with the Dominican Republic. infoenn.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Over 900,000 pieces of ammunition were reportedly diverted from Dominican National Police and Army inventories to Haitian criminal groups. infoenn.com · noticias037.net
[○ 1 SOURCE] Haitian gangs have reduced their territorial control in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area from 85% to 70%. mediodigitalrd.com
[DISPUTED] Haitian gangs are using 5.56x45 mm ammunition that corresponds to official supplies acquired by the Dominican Republic in 2022. infoenn.com
[DISPUTED] The Minister of Foreign Affairs claimed the munitions in question date back five decades. diariodigitaldominicano.com · guayacanalrd.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] A second lieutenant of the Dominican Army was detained in December 2025 in San Juan de la Maguana while transporting 1,516 cartridges on a motorcycle with a Haitian citizen. infoenn.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Dominican Ministry of Defense is conducting investigations to determine the traceability of the material. elveedordigital.com