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Saint Lucia investment scandal exposes PM Pierre and Deputy PM Hilaire’s ties to Eastern European mafia in the CIP program.
In a scandalous revelation that shakes the very foundation of Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP), Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, Deputy Prime Minister Ernest Hilaire, and prominent local attorney Thaddeus Antoine are now embroiled in an international controversy, with ties to a notorious Eastern European criminal organization. The arrest of Aleksander Mijajlovic, a prominent Eastern European businessman and leader of a multi-billion Euro criminal enterprise, has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the island’s CIP program, which now appears to be operating under the influence of organized crime.
01
of 06Shady Connections Unveiled
Aleksander Mijajlovic, the head of BEMAX—a construction corporation with a significant foothold in Saint Lucia’s CIP—was arrested alongside five police officers in Montenegro, where they face multiple criminal charges related to a sprawling organized crime syndicate. The group, referred to as the “Grand Smuggling Group” by European media, is under investigation for crimes ranging from contraband smuggling to money laundering and the creation of a criminal organization. Europol is actively involved, and more arrests are anticipated as the investigation continues.
Mijajlovic’s activities in Saint Lucia, however, are what has raised eyebrows and caused international concern. He is the principal of BEMAX Caribbean Inc. and BEMAX LLC, two entities involved in a major CIP real estate project—the Rock Hall Housing Development. This project, approved under the CIP, is located in none other than the constituency of Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre. The developer’s local legal affairs are managed by Thaddeus Antoine, an attorney with close ties to both Pierre and Deputy Prime Minister Ernest Hilaire, creating an intricate web of business and political connections.
02
of 06CIP Approval Amidst Criminal Allegations
What remains baffling to many is how BEMAX, a company owned by a man now facing serious criminal charges, was able to gain CIP approval in Saint Lucia. Deputy Prime Minister Ernest Hilaire, who holds the portfolio for the Citizenship by Investment Unit, is said to have been personally involved in the approval process. Mijajlovic’s arrest in Montenegro and the charges of money laundering, smuggling, and organized crime were widely known when BEMAX’s project was officially gazetted on September 12, 2024, yet the project was still granted approval by the Board of the CIP.
According to a report by Balkan Insight, Aleksander Mijajlovic, a prominent businessman and leader of BEMAX, was arrested in Montenegro in a large-scale operation targeting cigarette smuggling. The operation, which also led to the arrests of several police officers, has brought renewed focus to Mijajlovic’s criminal activities across Europe. His alleged involvement in smuggling and money laundering adds further weight to concerns about his company’s ties to Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP).
This sequence of events raises alarming questions about the due diligence—or lack thereof—undertaken by the CIP Board. If Saint Lucia is allowing individuals with direct ties to organized crime to invest and develop under its CIP program, it not only undermines the integrity of the program but also threatens the island’s national security. According to a recent statement by the CIU, applications have already been processed under BEMAX’s Rock Hall project, meaning that Saint Lucian passports have been sold to individuals associated with a criminal enterprise.
03
of 06Government Silence and International Concerns
While the CIP’s involvement with BEMAX remains a point of controversy, concerns are now being raised about the involvement of Bank of Saint Lucia. Sources have alleged that Mijajlovic transferred 10 million Euros after his arrest, raising questions about how these funds were cleared by the bank. Given the growing legal threats against the institution, particularly in light of the RICO lawsuit led by Philippe Martinez, many fear that financial compliance in Saint Lucia has collapsed under political pressure.
As the scandal unfolds, diplomatic sources from both the United States and the United Kingdom have reportedly been briefed on the situation. The involvement of Eastern European organized crime in Saint Lucia’s CIP has not gone unnoticed, and there are increasing calls for an international investigation into the matter. With INTERPOL likely to be involved, confidence in Saint Lucia’s judicial system is at an all-time low. Many argue that the courts, often perceived to be under the influence of the current government, will do little to address the growing crisis.
04
of 06Pierre and Hilaire: Under Scrutiny
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre and Deputy Prime Minister Ernest Hilaire have remained silent in the face of these allegations, despite their clear association with the individuals at the center of this scandal. Both have played significant roles in the development of the Rock Hall project, with Hilaire’s direct involvement in its CIP approval raising serious ethical concerns. Hilaire’s position as head of the CIP Unit, coupled with his connections to attorney Antoine, places him squarely in the spotlight of this burgeoning scandal.
Moreover, the timing of the Bemax approval has only fueled suspicions. Why was a project linked to a man under criminal investigation allowed to proceed? How did a company led by a criminal organization’s leader gain such a coveted CIP designation? These are questions the people of Saint Lucia—and the international community—are now demanding answers to.
05
of 06The Role of Housing Minister Frederick
Housing Minister Richard Frederick, who has direct oversight of the Rock Hall project, has yet to make a public statement on the matter. His silence is particularly notable given his vocal stance on previous housing issues and his prominent role within the current administration. It begs the question: what does Frederick know about the dealings between Bemax, the CIP, and the Saint Lucian government? His apparent approval of the project further deepens the mystery surrounding this scandal.
06
of 06Saint Lucia’s CIP Program: A National Security Threat?
As Saint Lucia grapples with the ramifications of this scandal, one thing is clear: the country’s CIP program is in disarray. Once touted as a critical economic driver, the program now appears to be a backdoor for criminal organizations to gain a foothold on the island. With passports being sold to individuals associated with organized crime, the risk to Saint Lucia’s national security has never been higher.
The situation requires immediate international scrutiny and a complete overhaul of the CIP’s approval processes. For too long, political and financial elites have operated with impunity, but this latest scandal may be the breaking point. Saint Lucia cannot afford to be seen as a haven for international crime syndicates, and without significant reform, the country’s reputation and security hang in the balance.
