Dominican merchants pay up to $5,000 a week to Haitian armed groups so their goods can travel on some Haitian roads, the president of the Dominican Federation of Merchants, Iván García, said in remarks reported by the Dominican press and relayed by Juno7.

According to García, the payments are tolls imposed by gangs. Haitian traders must pay to move goods bought in the Dominican Republic, Dominican suppliers sometimes contribute, and cargo for which no payment is negotiated is blocked.

He said the practice began after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021 and weighs most on the Malpasse–Jimaní crossing along Lake Azuei, where there are few alternative roads. Routes from Dajabón and Elías Piña are less difficult, he said, while mountain detours add costs for Haitian merchants.

García argued that the charges ultimately raise transport and distribution costs for Haitian consumers. Juno7 noted that the figures have not been confirmed and that it is not clear how many merchants are involved or whether the sum is collective.