As the country crumbles under poverty and corruption, Haiti’s wealthiest families have lived above the law for decades. Now, with asset seizures and investigations, the curtain is finally being pulled back on one of the biggest financial betrayals in modern Haitian history.

Investigative Report | By The Haitian Pulse | July 2025

For decades, Haitians have questioned why their nation—rich in culture and resilience—remains trapped in poverty and instability. The answer often leads back to a small group of powerful elites who used political influence and strategic alliances to drain public resources. At the heart of this scandal is the Vorbe family, whose energy company, Sogener, became synonymous with corruption and overbilling.

“This isn’t just about numbers in government records. It’s about how an entire nation was stripped of dignity while its people begged for electricity and clean water,” one Port-au-Prince resident remarked.

The Sogener Scandal: Millions Lost in the Shadows

Between 2012 and 2019, Sogener billed the Haitian government more than $123 million. Investigators allege that much of this came through fraudulent contracts and inflated invoices. The company claimed to provide critical electricity, but for most Haitians, blackouts were the norm, and infrastructure remained in shambles.

“This country was paying for energy it never saw,” a former government adviser admitted. “We weren’t just robbed of money—we were robbed of hope.”

An internal audit revealed how layers of shell companies and offshore accounts were used to move and conceal funds. While hospitals went without power and schools crumbled, the Vorbes built an empire of luxury homes, businesses, and foreign bank accounts.

Warrants and Asset Seizures

In 2021, Haitian authorities took a rare step toward accountability. Judges issued warrants for Réginald Vorbe, Dimitri Vorbe, and other family members linked to Sogener. On February 11 of that year, state lawyers petitioned for the seizure of Habitation Petit Bois, a sprawling estate in Tabarre, as part of efforts to reclaim stolen funds.

The move followed a July 2020 court order authorizing confiscation of all assets tied to Sogener, including luxury homes in Laboule 18, Morne Calvaire, Pétion-Ville, and the Sogener headquarters itself.

“The wealth of the nation was turned into private palaces and foreign investments,” an activist said. “And while they lived like kings, children studied under candlelight.”

A System Built to Protect the Powerful

Haitians are no strangers to corruption. But the Sogener scandal became a symbol of how deeply rooted this corruption is—how it thrives within a system designed to protect the elite.

“This isn’t an accident or a flaw in governance,” one analyst noted. “Corruption is the system itself.”

For years, energy contracts like Sogener’s enriched a select few while taxpayers carried the burden. Roads deteriorated, hospitals lacked basic supplies, and violence spread as public trust eroded.

Have Haitians Seen Justice?

While the state petitioned for asset seizures, it remains unclear whether these properties have been fully confiscated or if they’re still tied up in legal disputes. No convictions of key Sogener executives have been reported, and no clear plan for restitution to the Haitian people has emerged.

“Seizing assets is only the beginning,” said another observer. “We need convictions. We need restitution. And we need to show that no one is too powerful to face justice.”

Voices From the Streets

On the streets of Port-au-Prince, many view the Vorbes as part of an entrenched elite that has devastated Haiti’s chances for progress.

“They stole our future,” shouted a young protester outside a courthouse. “They thought no one would ever hold them accountable. Now, that’s changing.”

Public anger has been growing, fueled by a desire for transparency and reform. For many, this is not just about Sogener but about dismantling an entire network of privilege and impunity.

The Haitian Pulse: A Commitment to Truth

At The Haitian Pulse, we remain dedicated to fearless reporting that exposes corruption, amplifies the voices of everyday Haitians, and holds the powerful accountable. Our investigative work is part of a larger effort to ensure that no one can hide behind wealth and influence while the nation suffers.

The Sogener scandal is a painful reminder of what happens when corruption goes unchecked. But it also represents an opportunity—a chance to demand accountability and to finally reclaim the nation’s stolen future.

We urge readers to stay vigilant and demand answers. Justice for Haiti is long overdue.

We encourage you to leave a comment below and share your thoughts. Your voice matters in the fight for Haiti’s future.