Four men were convicted by a federal jury in Miami on May 8 for their roles in the 2021 assassination of former Haitian President Jovenel Moïse.

The US Department of Justice said Arcangel Pretel Ortiz, Antonio Intriago, Walter Veintemilla and James Solages were found guilty on multiple charges, including conspiracy to kill and kidnap a person outside the United States and providing material support resulting in death.

According to prosecutors, the men were part of a scheme launched in early 2021 to remove Moïse from office and install a replacement who would grant lucrative contracts to those involved in the operation.

Court evidence showed the conspiracy involved recruits from the United States, Haiti and Colombia, including 22 former Colombian soldiers and Haitian gang figures. Prosecutors said the group initially discussed kidnapping Moïse and forcing his resignation before shifting to a plan to kill him.

Moïse was assassinated at his private residence in Port-au-Prince on July 7, 2021. During the attack, armed men stormed the president’s home, fatally shooting him and seriously injuring former First Lady Martine Moïse.

The Justice Department said Solages acted as a liaison in Haiti and coordinated with gang leaders, secured weapons and conducted surveillance of the president’s residence. Prosecutors alleged he accompanied the Colombian mercenaries during the attack.

Pretel Ortiz, who prosecutors said referred to himself as “Colonel Gabriel,” was accused of directing tactical planning and coordinating with the Colombian mercenaries. Intriago allegedly handled logistics, payroll and equipment, including the smuggling of tactical gear from Miami to Haiti ahead of the assassination.

Veintemilla was accused of financing the operation through a US$175,000 loan agreement allegedly funded with proceeds linked to US COVID-19 relief programmes.

Eight other co-conspirators previously pleaded guilty in the case, with several testifying during the trial.

All four men face maximum sentences of life imprisonment. Sentencing will be determined by US District Judge Jacqueline Becerra at a later date.

The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from multiple US agencies.