U.S. prosecutors link COVID-19 fraud to Jovenel Moïse assassination

U.S. federal prosecutors have linked fraudulent funds obtained from COVID-19 relief programs to the conspiracy that resulted in the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse. The investigation indicates that South Florida served as a hub for planning and financing the operation.

Resources from programs such as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) were allegedly used to purchase weapons, tactical equipment, and to hire former Colombian military personnel who participated in the July 7, 2021, attack.

The investigation has entered a new phase following the transfer of 18 men detained in Haiti to the United States to face charges in a federal court in Miami. The individuals were transported under the custody of FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents. Federal prosecutor Jason Reding Quiñones stated that authorities are continuing to track those who financed or facilitated the assassination.