Unfounded Accusations? Stephane Vincent's Lawyer Dismantles ULCC Charges

In a request addressed to the Government Commissioner dated May 27, 2025, Me Guerby Blaise, lawyer for the former Director of Immigration and Emigration (DIE), vigorously disputes the conclusions of the ULCC report accusing the former DG of corruption. He requests the dismissal of the case, highlighting legal irregularities, the autonomy of passport issuance centers, and the absence of evidence implicating his client in acts of corruption. Responsibility Shifted to the Head of Digital Stéphane Vincent's lawyer points to Jean Osselin Lambert, Director of Technology and Communication at the DIE, as solely responsible for the creation of digital accounts, including the one in Fernando Victor's name. He specifies that Lambert controlled the entire IT system, even after Vincent's departure. However, it is solely on Lambert's statements — despite him being an individual already targeted by two damning ULCC reports — that the ULCC relies to incriminate Mr. Vincent. Reminder on the Autonomy of CRLDI Me Blaise criticizes the ULCC for having failed to consider the Jouthe decree of May 9, 2021, which confirms the administrative and financial autonomy of the Identity Document Reception and Delivery Centers (CRLDI). He explains that Mr. Vincent did not intervene in fund management but only monitored financial reports. CRLDI personnel, often appointed under political pressure, acted independently. Legally Unfounded Accusations Regarding the embezzlement of public funds, the lawyer reminds that the 2014 anti-corruption law requires proof of direct handling of funds. This, according to him, does not concern Mr. Vincent. The accusation of abuse of office is also questioned: the control of tax stamps fell exclusively to the DGI representative, Manuel Saint-Germain. As for criminal conspiracy, no evidence of collusion has been established between Mr. Vincent and the other individuals involved. An Investigation Tainted by Contradictions The lawyer highlights several contradictions and biases in the ULCC investigation, notably the selective use of testimonies, non-compliance with current texts, and the lack of material evidence. He asserts that the credibility of the investigation is compromised, especially since certain elements directly exonerate his client, such as the continued operation of the accounts after his departure from the DIE. A Clear Request for Dismissal Invoking Article 48 of the Code of Criminal Procedure concerning insufficient evidence, Me Blaise asks the Government Commissioner to dismiss the ULCC report. For him, the collected elements neither characterize the offenses attributed to his client nor justify any legal prosecution. It should be recalled that, in a report published on May 8, the ULCC accused Stephane Vincent of having embezzled approximately 3.6 million gourdes between September and November 2024. He is accused of having funded a fictitious account in the name of Fernando Victor, used for the production of 736 passports without payment of tax stamps, thereby causing significant prejudice to the State.