U.S. authorities have extradited 18 people accused of assassinating Haitian President Jovenel Moïse

A group of 18 people accused of involvement in the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse was extradited to the United States on Sunday. The suspects are set to stand trial in Florida for their alleged participation in the plot that led to the killing of the Haitian leader on the night of July 7, 2021.

U.S. prosecutor Jason Quinones said the extradition marked a major step in the investigation and promised that authorities would pursue everyone who financed, facilitated or supported the assassination. Haiti’s Ministry of Justice confirmed the transfer.

Among those extradited is Joseph Felix Badio, a former official with the anti-corruption unit of Haiti’s Ministry of Justice and one of the main suspects. The other individuals are reportedly Colombian mercenaries. In total, 30 people have been charged in the case.

Moïse was shot dead at his residence, struck by 12 bullets. Since then, Haiti has faced a severe political and security crisis. Criminal groups control more than 80% of Port-au-Prince, and approximately 1.5 million people have been internally displaced because of the violence. Presidential elections are scheduled to begin in December 2026.