Haiti’s Alleged Eel Smuggling Network: RHAJAC Calls for Broader UN Investigation and Judicial Action
The Haitian Network of Anti-Corruption Journalists (RHAJAC) is urging Haitian judicial authorities to take action in the ongoing controversy surrounding alleged illegal eel exports, money laundering and drug trafficking. The organization is also calling on United Nations investigators to identify other individuals suspected of involvement in the alleged network.In a press statement issued on November 9, 2026, RHAJAC named Walson Sanon, Fritz Richardson Junior and Betty Lamy among the individuals whose possible roles should be thoroughly investigated.
The organization also raised concerns about alleged organ trafficking, stressing that this particularly serious allegation requires specific investigations.According to information gathered through its investigations, RHAJAC claims that in June 2024, a payment arrangement involving US$3 million was allegedly made with former senator Moïse Jean-Charles in exchange for securing control of Haiti’s eel industry.
The organization identifies Haitian-American businesswoman Betty Lamy as a central figure in the alleged arrangement.RHAJAC also referred to comments made by Jean-Charles during an interview on Radio Magik 9 on July 10, 2024. At the time, the former senator acknowledged his influence over the Ministry of Agriculture and said several individuals had offered him as much as US$100,000 each to obtain eel exploitation and export permits. He claimed to have rejected those offers while stating that the sector was under Betty Lamy’s control.However, RHAJAC disputes that account, alleging that Jean-Charles had already received a substantial portion of the US$3 million reportedly promised to him.
The organization is particularly concerned about the final report of the United Nations Panel of Experts on Haiti, identified as document S/2026/714. According to RHAJAC’s interpretation, the report names only Moïse Jean-Charles in the section addressing an alleged glass eel smuggling network. The organization argues that further investigations are necessary to identify other potential participants and establish their respective responsibilities.
Given the alleged international dimension of the operation, RHAJAC is calling for cooperation between Haitian judicial authorities, UN investigators and competent authorities in the Dominican Republic, the United States and Canada. It is seeking closer examination of financial transactions and export routes reportedly connecting Haiti to destinations in China, North Korea, Taiwan and Japan.The organization is also urging investigating judge Me Benjamin Felismé to issue his ruling in the case.
According to RHAJAC, the judge has previously questioned Walson Sanon, Betty Lamy, Moïse Jean-Charles and Fritz Richardson Junior following the organization’s revelations concerning their alleged involvement.RHAJAC maintains that the investigation must go beyond the individuals already identified in the UN report. It insists that all potential responsibilities be examined, that any victims be protected and that anyone found responsible for criminal activities face justice in accordance with the law.
