Haiti Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC) has intensified its campaign against mismanagement and graft in Haiti’s public institutions.
On Friday, September 26, the agency submitted seven new investigation reports to the judiciary. This brings the total number of cases referred to 63.
Summaries shared with the press outline alleged schemes of embezzlement, corruption, and mismanagement across multiple state agencies. These cases underscore the scale of the problem.
The most politically sensitive case directly implicates the current Minister of Youth, Sports and Civic Action (MJSAC), Niola Lyn Sarah Dévalis Octavius. Investigators say they uncovered a “vast embezzlement network.” The scam involved 10 million gourdes earmarked for the November 2024 commemorations of the Battle of Vertières.
According to the report, the minister instructed that a check be issued to the ministry’s accountant, Ludner Vogel Desforges, bypassing standard procedures.
Desforges allegedly opened a private bank account to deposit the funds. Between November 22 and December 11, 2024, investigators say 7.66 million gourdes were delivered in cash to the minister’s head of security, Jean Vilaire Maître. This is confirmed by WhatsApp messages transcribed in the file.
The remaining funds show major irregularities. These include 700,000 gourdes paid without invoices for sound equipment, 400,000 gourdes directed to a sports federation unrelated to the event, and 148,000 gourdes allegedly pocketed by the accountant as a “personal bonus.”
The ULCC labeled these acts as “clear embezzlement” and recommended charges of abuse of office and criminal conspiracy.
Scandals at State Television and Fuel Mismanagement
Another report targets former director general of the National Television of Haiti (TNH), Gamall Jules Augustin, who is already in custody. He is accused of massive embezzlement. This includes nearly 6 million gourdes siphoned off through irregular use of debit cards over just a few months.
Fuel management at TNH also raised red flags. Between 2016 and 2025, 175 million gourdes were spent. Investigators point to disproportionate fuel orders placed for inactive sites. The report also highlights serious conflicts of interest. It alleges that Augustin awarded lucrative contracts to private media outlets he co-owned, while leveraging TNH infrastructure for their benefit.
At the same time, the National Solid Waste Management Service (SNGRS) is implicated in a large-scale fuel scandal. Of 396,849 gallons of diesel purchased, nearly half was allegedly diverted.
This equals an estimated 125 million gourdes. General director Germain Paulémon, his deputy, and a senior administrator were named as the key figures behind the scheme.
The ULCC also reported the diversion of 24 million gourdes in a project to rehabilitate the Ouanaminthe municipal market.
The project was financed by the European Union with a grant of €900,000. According to investigators, market director Quenox Célicourt stored collected funds at his home. Mayor Luma Démétrius personally received 185,000 gourdes without any receipts. A total lack of financial reporting facilitated the misappropriations.
Citing the scale of losses, the ULCC demands full audits, suspensions, and disciplinary action against officials. The agency also urges the judiciary to charge accused individuals with embezzlement, abuse of office, and conspiracy.
These new scandals further damage Haiti’s institutions and challenge the justice system’s ability to enforce accountability.
