Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations have transferred 18 suspects linked to the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse from Haiti to South Florida to face charges following a years-long, protracted investigation and prosecution in Haiti.

The suspects include Joseph Badio, a former employee of the Haitian justice ministry who worked in the anti-corruption department. Lawyers for other suspects said their clients told them Mr Badio was the mastermind of the assassination.

“In July 2021, President Jovenel Moise was assassinated by individuals seeking to profit from illicit financial opportunities and business contracts,” said special agent in charge Brett Skiles. “Today’s multi-location and international arrests underscore the FBI’s continued commitment to bringing all participants in this plot to justice.”

The FBI said the bureau was prepared to follow a trail of evidence that, so far, led to a network of criminal organisations, all of whom the U.S. vowed to bring to justice.

“The assassination of President Jovenel Moïse was a horrific attack, and we remain fully committed to working shoulder to shoulder with our partners to further expose the criminal network behind it, identify every individual who played a role, and ensure that the last person responsible is brought to justice,” said Jose Figueroa, special agent in charge of HSI Miami.

Since Mr Moïse’s assassination five years ago, the Haitian government has been unable to prosecute suspects involved due to threats from criminal gangs against judges. 

The transfer to the U.S. is expected to speed up the prosecution.