Financial Crime World

Haiti Plunged into Chaos: Millions Displaced, Widespread Destruction

A Long and Tumultuous Journey

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - The earthquake that ravaged Haiti in 2011 was just the beginning of a long and tumultuous journey for this Caribbean nation. Since then, Haiti has been plagued by poverty, violence, corruption, and political instability.

A History of Political Turmoil

  • In 2016, Haiti held elections, but allegations of fraud and voter suppression led to protests and delegitimized the newly elected government of Jovenel Moïse.
  • President Moïse’s presidency was marked by corruption and mismanagement, which further worsened the situation.
  • Tragedy struck in 2021 when President Moïse was assassinated at his home, plunging Haiti into further political turmoil.

Current Situation

Ariel Henry became the de-facto acting Prime Minister after Moïse’s assassination, but the country has struggled to maintain control with pervasive gang governance of Port-au-Prince, mass kidnappings, and a never-ending flow of guns into the country.

  • The UN, US, and Canadian governments imposed sanctions on Haitian gang leaders, politicians, and business elites accused of drug trafficking, money laundering, and financing criminal activity in 2022. However, these efforts have yet to yield significant results.

Criminal Gangs Wreak Havoc

Gang-Controlled Areas

  • The United Nations estimates that 60% of Port-au-Prince is controlled by criminal groups.
  • Many Haitians believe nearly the entire city has fallen under their control.

Powerful Gangs

  • Two powerful gangs, G9 and Family (G9 an fanmi) and G-PEP, have gained significant political capital in areas they control.
  • G9, led by Jimmy Chérizier, alias “Barbecue,” a former police officer, is focused on extortion and kidnappings for ransom.
  • Its main rival, G-PEP, is allied with 400 Mawozo, one of Haiti’s largest criminal groups.

Security Forces Overwhelmed

Weak and Plagued by Corruption

  • Haiti’s security forces are weak and plagued by corruption, ineffectiveness, ties to gangs, chronic understaffing, and underfunding.
  • The Haitian National Police (PNH) has been accused of involvement in human rights abuses, state-sponsored massacres, and direct ties or membership in some of Haiti’s gangs.

Fantom 509

  • A heavily armed contingent of active and former police, known as the Fantom 509, operates as a criminal group.
  • They have attacked government buildings to demand better pay and working conditions for police officers.

Judicial System on Life Support

Overstretched and Corrupt

  • The judicial system in Haiti is severely overstretched, with limited resources, corruption, and political interference.
  • The system has all but collapsed due to an upsurge in violence, protests by judges and court clerks calling for improved salaries and working conditions, and postponed judicial appointments.

Gangs Invade the Supreme Court

  • In June and July 2022, gangs invaded the Supreme Court building in Port-au-Prince, destroying records and evidence.

Prisons in Crisis

Overcrowded and Underfunded

  • Haiti’s prisons are overcrowded, underfunded, and plagued by poor oversight.
  • Many prisoners have never had a trial due to the country’s deteriorating justice system.

Mass Prison Escapes

  • Repeated mass prison escapes highlight the shortcomings within the penitentiary system.
  • Over 170 inmates escaped in a single event in 2016, while over 300 broke free during a shootout between guards and armed assailants.

Critical Shortages

  • Prisons also suffer from a critical shortage of food and staff, leading to well over 100 incarcerated Haitians dying in 2022.

As the situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate, international organizations and governments are scrambling to respond to the crisis. But with millions displaced, widespread destruction, and a complete breakdown of law and order, it remains unclear if the country can recover from this devastating cycle of violence and instability.