Who Is Mario Palacios Palacios? Jovenel Moïse Assassination

Mario Palacios Palacios (aka Mario Antonio Palacios Palacios) is a former Colombian military officer. He was arrested in October 2021 in Kingston, Jamaica, as part of the investigation into the assassination of Haitian president Jovenel Moïse.

Palacios was reportedly the subject of an INTERPOL red notice, which is used for international fugitives.

Mario Palacios Palacios Assassination Plot Investigation

Palacios Arrested In Jamaica. “Mario Palacios Palacios, a former Colombian military officer, was arrested in Kingston earlier this month. The arrest had remained secret. Palacios’ arrest was confirmed by multiple Haitian and Jamaica sources speaking to the Miami Herald on the condition of anonymity.” [Miami Herald]

Jamaican Constabulary Force Confirmed Arrest. “The Jamaica Constabulary Force can confirm that an individual alleging to be a Colombian national has been arrested in Jamaica on immigration breaches. He has subsequently become the subject of an INTERPOL Red Notice as of today, October 21, 2021. We are working with our international partners in line with our established treaties and protocols.” [JCF Statement]

Haiti Police Chief Leon Charles Resigned. “The arrest became public on the same that that Haiti National Police Chief Leon Charles submitted his resignation. Interim Haiti Prime Minister Ariel Charles, who had been under pressure to fire Charles, named Frantz Elbe to replace Charles, a source in the prime minister’s office confirmed.” [Sun Sentinel]

Colombian Soldiers Reportedly Made Up Assassination Hit Squad. “Haiti police say former Colombian soldiers made up the hit squad that stormed Moïse’s private residence in the middle of the night on July 7. Yelling that their presence was part of a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration operation, they gained access to the home.” [FL Times]

Palacios Described As Colombian Mercenary. “Former military officer Mario Antonio Palacios Palacios has just become one of the most wanted men by Haitian justice. He traveled with several former soldiers involved in the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse on July 7.” [Haiti Libre]

Wanted Bulletin Issued For Palacios. “The Haitian National Police, in its notice described Palacios as “a very dangerous” person and appealed to Haitians to contact law enforcement authorities should he be seen. According to the PNH, the man had travelled with several former soldiers involved in the assassination of President Moïse.” [Jamaica Observer]

Report: Palacios Entered Jamaica Illegally. “Palacios was arrested in a central Jamaica parish earlier this month, senior law enforcement officials told The Gleaner. “We don’t know how he got here, but it wasn’t through the formal system,” said the source, who did not want to be named because the arrest is being kept top-secret.” [Jamaica Gleaner]