Haiti arms contract investigation reveals $7 million discrepancy

An investigation into a weapons procurement contract for the Haitian National Police (PNH) has raised significant concerns regarding the traceability of public funds. The contract, valued at approximately $24 million, was intended to provide semi-automatic rifles and thousands of rounds of ammunition through the American company Fencebridge Strategic Risk.

Reports indicate that the Haitian government transferred over $15.3 million to an American intermediary, Ellie Soto, via two bank transfers in January 2026. While some ammunition arrived in Haiti in late September, the order remains incomplete. Andrew Day, director of operations for Fencebridge, stated that more than $7 million owed to the company has not been paid.

The funds were reportedly processed through a trust account managed by California-based attorney Anthony Madu, who declined to provide further details citing professional secrecy. Fencebridge Strategic Risk was founded by Daniel Nozell and Bryan Seaver, associates of musician Dolly Parton. The deal has faced scrutiny as the company reportedly lacked necessary U.S. regulatory licenses and export authorizations at the time of the agreement, amidst existing arms embargoes and export controls affecting Haiti.