Haiti - FLASH: The USA creates a Transnational Criminal Investigative Unit in Haiti
In a press release, the US Department of State in partnership with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) announces the creation of a Transnational Criminal Investigative Unit in Haiti, with the aim to "facilitate investigations and prosecution of transnational crimes, including those with a U.S. nexus."
This new unit will focus on crimes including firearms and ammunition smuggling, human trafficking and transnational gang activities.
"We will continue to use all available tools to promote accountability for corrupt actors, individuals supporting gang violence, and other criminal activity in Haiti. The United States remains committed to promoting peace and prosperity for the people of Haiti," stress the release.
In addition, the United States continues to take steps to stem the illegal outflow of firearms from the United States to the Caribbean, including Haiti. The U.S. Government is using new criminal authorities in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to identify and hold firearms traffickers accountable. To bolster these efforts, in June 2023, Vice President Harris announced the creation of a Department of Justice Coordinator for Caribbean Firearms Prosecutions, including Haiti. The Department of State is also supporting the regional Crime Gun Intelligence Unit in Trinidad and Tobago to help Caribbean partner nations solve gun-related crime cases, deter gun crimes in the region and bring criminals to justice.
