18 Suspects in Haitian President's Assassination Extradited to US

Eighteen suspects arrested in the July 2021 killing of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse are awaiting extradition to the United States, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Jason Reding Quiñones announced. This development signifies the conclusion of a protracted judicial process in Haiti for the assassination that sent shockwaves through the Caribbean nation.

Quiñones stated on X that the extradition represents the "next major phase in our pursuit of accountability" and affirmed a commitment to pursuing all individuals involved, "to those who financed it, facilitated it, supported it or committed crimes to make it possible." He added that the investigation is ongoing, with more defendants expected to be brought before American courts.

While the identities of the 18 suspects were not immediately released, those remaining in Haiti include over a dozen former Colombian soldiers, a former Haitian police officer, and a former employee of Haiti's Ministry of Justice who was part of an anti-corruption unit. Quiñones noted that 30 individuals have been indicted in connection with Moïse's killing, with the FBI confirming multiple arrests domestically and internationally on Sunday.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles reiterated the agency's dedication to holding accountable "all individuals who allegedly sought profit from the assassination of a head of state."

Relatives of some of the Colombian soldiers had previously expressed frustration over repeated delays in Haiti's judicial proceedings following their 2021 arrests. The investigation had been hampered by gang violence, threats against officials, and a deteriorating judicial system.

In October 2025, Haitian justice officials had formally requested assistance from the U.S. and Canada. This request came after a local court of appeals ordered a new investigation into Moïse's death, the third such inquiry since he was fatally shot at his private residence in July 2021. Previous investigations had stalled due to the resignation of Haitian judges who feared for their safety and the takeover of court facilities by gangs.

The extradition proceeds as the U.S. continues its prosecution of other suspects in the case. In May, a Florida jury convicted four men of conspiring to kill or kidnap Haiti's leader and providing material support for the plot. At least five other individuals have pleaded guilty and are currently serving life sentences.

The four men recently convicted were Arcángel Pretel Ortiz, Antonio Intriago, Walter Veintemilla, and James Solages. These individuals, who had pleaded not guilty, were found guilty of conspiracy and providing material support. Pretel Ortiz and Intriago were principals of CTU (Counter Terrorist Unit Federal Academy and Counter Terrorist Unit Security), while Veintemilla was a principal of Worldwide Capital Lending Group. Both companies were based in South Florida.

Christian Sanon, a Haitian-American citizen, is among those awaiting trial. Authorities allege that Sanon was identified by conspirators as a potential replacement for Moïse, with plans to award contracts to CTU for infrastructure, security, and military equipment upon taking power.

Suspects who previously pleaded guilty in U.S. federal court include a retired Colombian army officer and a Haitian-Chilean businessman who had formerly served as a U.S. government informant.

Key fugitives in the case reportedly include Dimitri Hérard, the former head of security at Haiti’s National Palace, who is believed to have escaped following a significant prison break last year when a powerful gang federation stormed Haiti's two largest correctional facilities.