Gilbert Bigio, Haiti’s first billionaire and industrialist, died at 91 in Florida on Sept. 29. His holding company, BGO (formerly GB Group), dominated Haiti’s economy through steel, oil, consumer goods, and port logistics. The family remains a key player among Haiti’s economic elite.
In December 2022, Canada sanctioned Bigio and two other businessmen for allegedly enabling armed criminal gangs through money laundering and corruption. Experts called the sanctions largely symbolic. Bigio owned a $132,000 Mercedes Maybach bought from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate, highlighting the stark contrast between elite wealth and Haiti’s widespread poverty.
Former central bank head Fritz Alphonse Jean criticized the lack of social responsibility in BGO’s operations. The IMF noted that gangs often cooperate with elites to protect oligarchic interests. With gangs controlling 70% of Port-au-Prince and major highways, experts argue Bigio’s business success was inseparable from armed actors.
Canada had previously sanctioned him, and his death marks the end of a controversial legacy.
Source: New York Times Business · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing