US officials have announced the arrest and transfer of 18 people to Florida in connection with the 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, as American authorities continue a case that has already produced multiple convictions.

The suspects were transported from Haiti on a military aircraft and are expected to face trial in the Southern District of Florida. Federal prosecutor Jason Reding Quinones said the latest arrests bring the number of people indicted in the killing to 30.

“Five years later, we are still bringing defendants before American courts, and we are not finished,” Quinones said.

Moïse, 53, was killed at his private residence on 7 July 2021 by a group of about 20 Colombian military trained mercenaries. His security detail did not intervene.

FBI special agent Brett Skiles said the arrests demonstrated the agency’s determination to pursue everyone involved in the operation.

“Today’s multi location and international arrests underscore the FBI’s continued commitment to bringing all participants in this plot to justice,” Skiles said.

In May, four men were convicted in Miami on charges including conspiracy to kill or kidnap Moïse, providing material support and violating the US Neutrality Act through an illicit military operation abroad. They face possible life sentences.

Federal prosecutors have said the men were connected to CTU, a Florida based private security company, and were attracted to the plot by the prospect of obtaining lucrative contracts after Moïse was removed from power.

Eleven people have previously been indicted in US courts, which have jurisdiction because elements of the alleged conspiracy were planned on American soil. Five defendants have received life sentences, including Colombian soldiers, a former Haitian senator, a Haitian Chilean businessman and a Haitian American.

Haiti has faced worsening instability since Moïse’s death and currently has no president. The country is preparing for presidential and legislative elections, along with a constitutional referendum, scheduled for 13 December if security conditions permit.

Gangs control about 80 per cent of Port au Prince. A UN backed force intended to support Haitian police against armed groups remains well below its planned strength of 5,500 uniformed personnel and 50 civilian staff.

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