The former mayor of Les Irois, Haiti, Jean Morose Viliena, has been convicted of visa fraud by a federal jury in Boston. Viliena, 52, was found guilty on March 28 of acquiring a U.S. permanent resident card by delivering false statements. An investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement revealed that he concealed his involvement in extrajudicial and political killings in Haiti.
Viliena faces three counts of visa fraud, with sentencing set for June 20, 2025, after being indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2023.
"Viliena knowingly lied to conceal his violent past, deceiving immigration authorities to come to the United States," stated Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of ICE Homeland Security Investigations, New England. He credited brave witnesses for making the testimony possible.
According to United States Attorney Leah B. Foley, "The political corruption and violence that the people of Haiti endured at the direction of Jean Morose Viliena, is appalling. Today’s conviction is proof that running away from your crimes and lying to federal officials will catch up to you."
Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Matthew R. Galeotti, remarked, "Today a jury found that Jean Morose Viliena lied his way into gaining entrance into the United States after committing unspeakable acts of violence in Haiti."
Jennifer De La O, Director of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Boston Field Office, emphasized the dedication of CBP personnel: "Emigrating to the United States is a privilege and if you conceal your criminal conduct to deceive your way into this country, you will ultimately be detected, held accountable and brought to justice."
Viliena became the mayor of Les Irois in December 2006 and was associated with the Korega political machine, which employed armed violence in the southwestern region of Haiti. Under his supervision, the Korega militia targeted political opponents using violent means.
Court documents detailed several violent incidents involving Viliena, first on July 27, 2007, where Viliena and associates killed a witness's brother. In April 2008, Viliena mobilized militia to shut down a community radio station, during which he wielded a gun and ordered his associates to shoot individuals, causing severe injuries.
Viliena applied for a U.S. visa on June 3, 2008, and deceptively claimed that he had not been involved in acts of violence. He entered the U.S. with a visa granted under false pretenses and obtained a permanent resident card.
The charge of visa fraud carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
The investigation, led by ICE HSI New England, involved various federal agencies, including the Justice Department’s Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center, working to prevent the U.S. from becoming a sanctuary for individuals involved in war crimes and human rights abuses.
Reports of suspicious activities can be made to ICE’s Tip Line at any time.
