DIRI CHEF Scandal: Steeve Khawly Under Fire Amid Lack of Proof on Destruction of Contaminated Rice

On April 24, 2026, businessman Steeve Khawly, owner of the Diri Chef brand, issued legal summons to several media outlets—including Satellite509, Radio Métronome, Ted Actu, and Info Partage—following reports concerning the importation of a contaminated rice shipment into Haiti aboard the vessel MV ABK TIGER. The information was initially revealed by Satellite509 and later confirmed by the national quarantine service, which formally recommended the destruction of the product.

According to reports from Satellite509 and Radio Télé Métronome, the Director of Customs Operations indicated that certain customs agents allegedly faced pressure not to report the contamination of the rice.

Satellite509 also cited what it described as a credible source, claiming that part of the shipment may have been processed into spaghetti, while another portion was allegedly distributed on the local market.

For his part, Steeve Khawly maintains that the rice was destroyed. However, no material evidence—such as documented reports, visual proof, or independent certification—has been publicly disclosed to substantiate this claim. The legal summons issued by Khawly reportedly rely on references to destruction requests mentioned in correspondence, without attaching verifiable supporting documentation.

Satellite509, which first broke the story, has reaffirmed its position, emphasizing the absence of publicly available evidence confirming the effective destruction of the shipment. The outlet is calling for an international investigation to clarify the circumstances surrounding the importation, handling, and traceability of the rice in question. It also urges the public to exercise caution regarding Diri Chef products pending independent verification.