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The Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC) announced the conviction of Roudel Ducherne, an inspector with the Directorate General of Taxes (DGI) in Hinche, for embezzling public funds. The ruling, issued on November 19, 2024, sentenced Ducherne to four years in prison and ordered him to repay the stolen funds. The case was prosecuted under Article 5.4 of the 2014 law on the prevention and punishment of corruption.
This marks only the second corruption conviction in two decades, the first being in 2015, when the former director general of the Office of Third-Party Vehicle Insurance (OAVCT), Edric Léandre, was sentenced for similar charges. Ducherne’s conviction followed an investigation by the ULCC, which apprehended him in the act of embezzlement.
The ULCC described the ruling as a significant milestone in its efforts to combat corruption within Haiti’s public administration. In an official press release, the organization commended the judiciary for taking decisive action and emphasized the need to process other outstanding corruption cases to strengthen public trust in state institutions.
“This conviction sends a clear message to those who exploit public resources for personal gain,” stated the ULCC, reaffirming its commitment to eliminating corruption in all its forms.
The conviction comes amid growing calls for accountability in Haiti, where corruption has long undermined governance and public services. The ULCC noted that the mismanagement of public funds not only deprives citizens of essential services but also erodes confidence in the government’s ability to address the country’s many challenges.
The decision to mandate the repayment of stolen funds was seen as a critical step toward recovering losses and deterring future acts of corruption. However, the ULCC acknowledged that the broader fight against graft will require systemic reforms and continued vigilance.
The ULCC has urged Haitian authorities to accelerate the processing of other corruption cases, stressing that such efforts are essential to establishing a culture of transparency and accountability. The organization also reiterated its commitment to working with local and international partners to strengthen Haiti’s anti-corruption framework.
While Ducherne’s conviction is a symbolic victory, it highlights the broader challenge of addressing institutional weaknesses and ensuring that public officials are held to account. The ULCC hopes that this case will set a precedent, encouraging further action to safeguard Haiti’s public resources.
