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Port-au-Prince, Haiti – Phanèse R. Laguerre, former Programme National de Cantine Scolaire (PNCS) coordinator, has been arrested on corruption charges following a high-profile investigation into financial mismanagement and fraudulent public contracts.

The arrest follows a probe by the Unité de Lutte Contre la Corruption (ULCC), which uncovered that between 2016 and 2021, PNCS authorized payments of 382.5 million gourdes for school food programs. However, many funds allegedly went to fake suppliers without legitimate business addresses. The fraudulent scheme reportedly led to a massive loss of 250.3 million gourdes from public funds.

Judge Martel Jean-Claude ordered Laguerre’s pretrial detention after reviewing substantial evidence linking her to illegal contract awards, embezzlement, and abuse of office. Other officials, including Jean Junior Célicourt and Alberto Dort, are also facing charges.

Authorities warn that the corruption scandal threatens critical education and social welfare programs meant to support Haiti’s vulnerable students. The ULCC has recommended a full audit and further legal action against those involved.

This high-profile case underscores systemic corruption in public administration and raises concerns over the misuse of funds intended for essential services.