Pétion-Ville, 26 September 2025.- In an investigation report published on Friday 26 September by the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC), the institution reveals serious irregularities in the use of the 10 million gourdes released by the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) in November 2024 to finance the commemorative activities of the Battle of Vertières.
According to the Commission's conclusions, a significant part of these funds was diverted to the benefit of Niola Lynn Sarah Devalis Octavius, Minister of Youth, Sports and Civic Action, with the complicity of her head of security and the chief accountant of the Ministry.
A dubious financial circuit
Initially refused by the MJSAC financial controller, the disbursement of the 10 million gourdes was exceptionally authorised by the MEF. The cheque was written on behalf of the Chief Accountant, Ludner Vogel Desforges, who then opened a private account at the BNC to house the funds, a practice deemed illegal.
As a result, large sums of cash were handed over to the minister's chief of security, Jean Vilaire Maître, without credible evidence.
$2 million transferred to the Minister's account
The most overwhelming element of the report concerns a transaction dated 26 November 2024:
2 million gourdes withdrawn from the account opened by the accountant, then deposited on the same day in the personal account of the Minister Octavius to the National Bank of Credit (BNC), deposit made by Jean Vilaire Maître, who also gave false information to the bank about the origin of the funds.
Fictive expenditure and inconsistent justifications
The ULCC report also highlights numerous anomalies: 700,000 gourdes attributed to an unbilled sound system, 400,000 gourdes paid for a sport trip unrelated to Vertières, and payments made to non-tax registered companies.
Responsibilities established
Minister Niola Lynn Sarah Devalis Octavius, accused of abuse of office, embezzlement of public property, corruption and money laundering, is the primary responsibility of the ULCC.
His head of security, Jean Vilaire Maître, was prosecuted for false statements and obstructing justice, while the chief accountant Ludner Vogel Desforges was questioned for his participation in the illegal financial assembly.
The report recommends legal action against those involved and calls for better control over the management of public funds.
W.A.©️MJSAC
