Haitian children case: Prosecutors three years into 'long haul' investigation

Chilean prosecutors are conducting a three-year investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding the entry of Haitian citizens, both adults and children, into the country. The probe, described as a "long haul" effort, began in March 2023 after the Migration Service filed a complaint detailing serious anomalies.

The investigation, led by the Fiscalía Centro Norte, has reportedly identified the involvement of three airlines, Star Perú, Aeroregional, and Sky, along with travel agencies and lawyers. These entities are accused of facilitating the entry of migrants, some of whom lacked the required visas or prior authorization to enter Chile.

According to reports, Star Perú is under scrutiny for allegedly bringing 19 adults and 16 minors into the country without proper documentation. The owner of the airline, Ricardo Benítez, has been alerted, and a services company named Swissport is also being examined for its role. Aeroregional is also implicated, reportedly having transported 41 adults and 25 children, plus another 15 individuals whose ages could not be determined due to a lack of birth certificates.

Despite the extensive investigation, the case has yet to yield concrete results, leaving the situation unresolved as authorities continue to gather evidence and pursue leads.