BASSETERRE, St Kitts — St Kitts and Nevis has revoked 13 citizenships, blacklisted two international marketing agents, and terminated a key investment agreement in a sweeping enforcement action to address violations within its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, according to reporting by IMI Daily and a government-issued statement.
St Kitts revokes 13 citizenships over CBI non-compliance
The Ministry of National Security launched a comprehensive investigation into 158 CBI applications tied to two international marketing firms suspected of promoting unauthorized discount schemes. Authorities discovered that several investors failed to pay the statutory minimum investment required under the program, despite certifying otherwise.
Thirteen investors and their dependents had their citizenships revoked under the Saint Christopher and Nevis Citizenship (Deprivation of Citizenship) Order, 2025, after admitting non-payment and refusing to rectify the breach. Thirty-two applicants paid their outstanding balances to avoid penalties. Others remain in negotiations with authorities, and one individual has requested a Commission of Inquiry hearing.
Government targets agents for illegal discounts and deception
Two global firms—Latitude Consultancy and RIF Trust—were permanently blacklisted for marketing the CBI program below legal investment thresholds and offering clients so-called “special discounts,” which violated program regulations.
The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) declared both entities “prohibited from all CBI-related activities,” including marketing, application submissions, or using the St Kitts program name in promotional materials.
This development follows mounting pressure on the Drew administration to respond decisively to longstanding concerns surrounding transparency in the CBI sector. Earlier investigations exposed links between improper CIP marketing practices and regional fallout that also impacted Saint Lucia’s program credibility.
Latitude and RIF Trust deny wrongdoing, prepare legal defense
Latitude Consultancy’s CEO Eric Major released a strongly worded statement denying the allegations and accusing the CIU of undermining due process. He said the firm had until April 11 to respond formally, but the government released its findings days ahead of that deadline.
“The decision to cut the process short calls into question both the credibility of the investigation and the motives behind rushing its conclusion,” Major stated, adding that the firm will pursue legal and strategic recourse.
RIF Trust also denied any wrongdoing. “We will vigorously defend our corporate integrity within the deadline specified by the CIU,” said Group CEO Mimoun Assraoui.
MSR Media deal scrapped over failed promises and attacks on officials
The government also terminated its agreement with MSR Media SKN Ltd and MSR Hotels & Co. Ltd, citing multiple breaches of contract, including failure to renovate tourism infrastructure, meet employment commitments, and deliver agreed-upon film productions.
Officials further accused MSR of launching “a coordinated international campaign to discredit” the CBI program and spreading false allegations about government misconduct.
The move comes amid a broader political backlash against Prime Minister Terrance Drew, whose administration has faced criticism over alleged mismanagement of public-private investment projects and governance transparency.
European pressure and PM Drew’s pledge drive new enforcement
The enforcement actions follow increased pressure from the European Parliament, which in March advanced amendments that could restrict visa-free access to EU countries for states operating CBI schemes.
As previously reported by Unitedpac St Lucia News, the EU has warned Caribbean governments that failure to strengthen due diligence and monitoring frameworks could result in a suspension of visa-free privileges under the Schengen travel regime.
Prime Minister Terrance Drew had previously warned in December 2024 that his government would use all statutory powers available under the Citizenship Act to revoke citizenships obtained fraudulently and protect the Federation’s international standing.
“We have a zero-tolerance policy toward abuse of the CBI Program,” the CIU reiterated in its statement. “Only credible, compliant investors should benefit from our citizenship.”
Caribbean nations brace for ripple effects in CBI reforms
The sweeping enforcement in St Kitts and Nevis is expected to influence similar programs across the Eastern Caribbean, including those in St. Lucia, Dominica, Grenada, and Antigua and Barbuda. Analysts suggest that the coordinated actions signal a broader regional shift toward stricter compliance and risk management.
“This is a strong message to the industry: program abuse will have consequences,” said a Caribbean investment migration advisor, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
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