Fuel, Water, and Aid Packages: A Lucrative Business in Haiti

Political Instability and Organized Crime

As Haiti grapples with political instability, organized crime has taken center stage. Criminal networks control neighborhoods and cities, while corrupt officials and politicians supply armed gangs with weapons and other forms of support to control electoral zones.

The Shift from Political Violence to Organized Crime-Attributed Violence

A recent investigation revealed that criminal networks are responsible for crimes like aggravated assault and theft, frequently using readily available firearms. This shift from political violence to organized crime-attributed violence is a concerning trend in Haiti.

Foreign Involvement in the Cocaine Trade and Human Smuggling

The most shocking aspect of this situation is the involvement of foreign criminal actors in the cocaine trade and human smuggling. These groups have traditionally kept a low profile, but their presence has been linked to the assassination of President Moïse.

Private Sector Criminal Actors

Meanwhile, private sector criminal actors, including oligarchs who have amassed wealth by exploiting political corruption, poverty, instability, and rampant crime, continue to thrive. These individuals have taken advantage of the country’s weak economic situation, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, to further their own interests.

Money Laundering and Human Trafficking

The lack of effective controls and a weak judiciary has created an environment conducive to money laundering, with Haiti being ranked as the most at-risk country in Latin America for these activities. The risk of human trafficking has also contributed to this problem.

NGOs and Their Role in Protecting Witnesses and Victims

As a result, NGOs have taken on the role of providing programs to protect witnesses and victims, particularly poor women who face deep-rooted gender discrimination and economic disenfranchisement. Judges have been reported to trivialize rape, forcing victims to relive the trauma.

Challenges Facing Journalists in Haiti

Journalists in Haiti face various challenges, including lack of funding and institutional support, self-censorship, and limited access to information.

Border Control and Maritime Interdiction Capacity

The Haitian National Police has been unable to effectively control the borders, creating an environment that trans-border criminal networks involved in drug and weapons smuggling, document fraud, human smuggling, and human trafficking tend to exploit. The minimal maritime interdiction capacity of the coast guard creates a low-risk environment for drug traffickers.

Conclusion

As Haiti struggles to combat illicit financial flows and promote accountability, it’s clear that fuel, water, and aid packages have become a lucrative business in the country. But will the authorities take action to address these issues and restore stability to the nation? Only time will tell.