Haiti's Criminal Networks Profit Millions from Endangered Baby Eel Trafficking to Asian Markets

Nov 18, 2025 01:44 pm CST

Criminal gangs in Haiti have established a lucrative trafficking network exporting endangered baby eels to Asian markets, generating millions in illicit profits. As the EU and Panama push for stricter international trade restrictions through CITES, Haitian fishermen work in dangerous conditions while powerful political figures use the unregulated industry to launder drug money, according to UN experts.