Overview:
Police arrested two suspects linked to allegations of fabricated visa conspiracy on the Hugo Chavez Worldwide Airport in Cap-Haïtien over the weekend, immigration agent Cald Philippe and resident Kenelson Viléus. Police additionally arrested a person for taking a photograph of an immigration agent to ship to a gang over the weekend.
CAP-HAÏTIEN — After listening to rumors about faux visas, counterfeit tickets and people with gang affiliations working at Cap-Haïtien Hugo Chavez Worldwide Airport, the police elevated their presence. They made three separate arrests over the previous weekend.
“The police are confirming that they’re investigating some teams which might be giving individuals faux visas to make them journey to varied international locations,” Arold Jean, spokesperson of the police power within the Northern Division, instructed The Haitian Occasions.
On Sunday, Feb. 23, police arrested immigration agent Cald Philippe. A girl with a counterfeit visa accused Philippe of demanding fee for her to journey to Providenciales, Turks and Caicos. In accordance with Jean, the girl, whose id stays unknown, finally paid Philippe. The quantity she paid Philippe was unclear, however a ticket from Cap-Haïtien to Providenciales prices round $200.
Different employees on the airport have been stunned after listening to about Philippe’s arrest on Sunday.
“He’s very form,” Hyppolite Beauvoir, a journey agent on the airport, stated. “I didn’t count on him to get into one thing like this.”
Earlier on Sunday, police arrested a suspect for taking an image of an immigration agent on responsibility on the airport to ship to gang members. Jean stated police couldn’t disclose the suspect’s title because the investigation is ongoing.
On Saturday, Feb. 22, police arrested Kenelson Viléus for pocketing cash from individuals for faux aircraft tickets. Police discovered three visas in Viléus’ backpack, however he denied any involvement, claiming a person named Manno gave them to him, in line with native reporter Gérard Maxineau.
“He’s somebody who’s very form. I didn’t count on him to get into one thing like this.”
Hyppolite Bauvoir, journey agent
“No, no, no, no, we’re not concerned on this,” Viléus instructed Maxineau concerning the fabricated visa conspiracy. “They [police officers] added that half. I got here right here, they usually stated some individuals are giving faux visas.”
A couple of week earlier than the arrests, residents accused an airline firm, InterCaribbean Airways, of requiring passengers to pay an additional $USD 700 charge and of being a part of a gang. InterCaribbean clarified to The Haitian Occasions that the passengers have been touring to Jamaica with one-way tickets. Since a roundtrip ticket is required, the airline requested them to buy a return flight earlier than boarding.
The Nationwide Airport Authority (AAN) has but to reply to The Haitian Occasions’ request for an interview concerning the arrests. Nevertheless, Cap-Haïtien residents welcomed the police investigation into the fabricated visa scandal and the current arrests.
“I’m pleased with the work they’re doing,” Beauvoir stated. “I hope they will put an finish to this. Persons are so vigilant now. It’s like in the event that they’re speaking dangerous about somebody who lives with you, you’re going to keep watch over him.”
Beauvoir added that if somebody who’s recognized as a journey agent doesn’t speak to his shoppers contained in the airport, he is likely to be pretending to be a journey agent. A number of individuals have been victims of false journey brokers’ schemes or acquired fabricated visas just lately.
Seventeen individuals tried to journey to Brazil with fabricated visas in December via InterCaribbean, the airline instructed The Haitian Occasions. False journey businesses additionally usually ebook journeys that don’t even exist on the airport, benefiting from Haitians struggling to make ends meet and searching for any approach out of Haiti. In addition they cancel return journeys and pocket the cash although it’s wanted to journey.
Police are interviewing the suspects they arrested over the weekend. Beauvoir and different residents are hoping that the police will collect info that may assist them put an finish to the fabricated visas and faux flight conspiracy.
“The three arrests have been essential,” Beauvoir stated. “Issues would possibly run easily now. I feel this can finish.”