Ex-Haitian official, 17 others appear in US court over 2021 plot to kill president

South Florida has been identified by U.S. authorities as a key location for the planning and financing of the plot to assassinate Haitian President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021. A former Haitian official and 17 other individuals have appeared in U.S. court in connection with the assassination. U.S. Attorney Jason Reding Quiñones stated that Moïse was killed by individuals seeking to profit from illicit financial opportunities and business contracts.

Moïse was killed on July 7, 2021, when approximately two dozen mercenaries, primarily from Colombia, attacked his residence near Port-au-Prince. His wife, Martine, was also injured in the attack. To date, at least nine people have been convicted in the U.S. through trials or guilty pleas related to the assassination.

In 2025, Haitian justice officials requested assistance from the U.S. and Canada for a new investigation into Moïse's killing, following a court of appeals order. This marks the third inquiry into the assassination since Moïse was shot 12 times. Previous investigations in Haiti have been hampered by the resignation of judges who feared for their lives and by gang control over the courthouse. The Ministry of Justice and Public Security indicated that proceedings in Haiti continue to face significant difficulties.

The indictment specifically charges Badio, who allegedly posed as a U.S. drug agent, with conspiracy and participation in Moïse's killing. A lawyer appointed to represent him temporarily could not be reached for comment.