Haitian-Canadian-French businessman linked to Moïse assassination pleads guilty in U.S. court
Rodolphe Jaar, a national with ties to Haiti and Chile, admitted guilt in a United States court over his role in the events surrounding the July 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse. The plea marks a significant development in a case that drew international attention to the months that followed Moïse’s death and the broader efforts to dismantle the criminal network involved.
Court records show that Jaar acknowledged providing financial backing and participating in a conspiracy connected to the kidnapping and killing of Haiti’s president. Prosecutors have described Jaar as someone who contributed resources that supported the operation and its participants, including elements essential to its execution. The admission of guilt came during a session held in a Miami courtroom, according to reports from established outlets following the hearing.
Authorities indicate that Jaar also coordinated support that included weapons, sustenance, and shelter for Colombian nationals believed to be members of the criminal organization behind the plot. The information provided to investigators as part of the plea is expected to assist prosecutors in pursuing additional defendants who remain in U.S. custody or are under investigation, with the aim of building a broader case against others connected to the scheme.
As part of the plea agreement, Jaar consented to share data and insights that could facilitate the indictment or prosecution of ten more individuals linked to the case. The agreement underscores a cooperative stance intended to help advance the overall prosecutorial effort and to clarify the chain of command within the operation.
Jaar is scheduled to receive his sentence on a future date, with potential penalties including life imprisonment, according to reporting from major news agencies that followed the court proceedings. The development adds another layer to the legal proceedings surrounding the Moïse case and the international dimension of the investigation.
Meanwhile in Haitian politics, Stephen Benoist, who has been described by some as an alternative prime minister, recently faced opposition calls for his dismissal. Benoist had received broad attention after being elected to lead the government in the aftermath of Moïse’s death, but he resisted the proposals for his removal, highlighting ongoing political tensions within Haiti as the country navigates a period of transition and uncertainty.
Observers note that the case illustrates the complex international elements often involved in high-profile political crimes. The collaboration between U.S. authorities and international partners continues to be vital as investigators seek to fully unravel the network responsible for the attack and hold those accountable who supported it with money, logistics, and personnel. The recent plea by Jaar is viewed as a step toward greater transparency and accountability in a case that has had far-reaching implications for Haiti, its diaspora, and the regional security landscape.