U.S. authorities have arrested Jean Robert Casimir, a 52-year-old former Haitian National Police (PNH) officer and U.S. citizen, on charges of smuggling firearms to Haiti.
Casimir, who was detained on December 18, is accused of purchasing at least 87 firearms between October 2021 and May 2024, some of which reportedly ended up in the hands of Haitian gangs.
A criminal complaint filed by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the District Court of Columbia details multiple charges against Casimir, including smuggling, conspiracy, and violations of the Export Control Reform Act of 2018. “The facts in this affidavit are based on my personal observations, training, and experience, as well as information obtained from other agents, witnesses, and agencies, particularly the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI),” wrote HSI Special Agent Evan Ratcliff.
The affidavit alleges Casimir knowingly smuggled firearms to Haiti on at least four or five occasions, transporting them via boat from Miami to the port of Miragoâne, southwest of Port-au-Prince. From there, associates delivered the weapons to Casimir’s unnamed security company in the Haitian capital.
Contradictions and evidence
While Casimir admitted to smuggling firearms during a voluntary interview at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport in August 2024, investigators uncovered evidence contradicting his claims. Casimir stated he had only purchased four firearms in 2024 and denied further involvement in smuggling. However, records from a federally licensed firearms dealer showed he completed at least 30 firearm transaction forms (FTRs) over three years, acquiring 87 weapons.
Each transaction form included a clear warning about penalties for unauthorized exports, which can result in fines of up to $1 million and imprisonment for up to 20 years.
Casimir also claimed that some firearms fell into gang hands after an employee was attacked during transport. Investigators found text messages, photos, and videos on Casimir’s phone that documented firearm purchases in the U.S. and their subsequent sale in Haiti.
The investigation, which began in November 2022, used the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ (ATF) eTrace system to link smuggled firearms to Casimir. Notably, two Radical Firearms rifles purchased by Casimir in October 2023 were traced back to Haiti.
Casimir’s smuggling activities reportedly fueled gang violence in Haiti, where arms trafficking has exacerbated the nation’s security crisis.
