St. Kitts & Nevis Takes Bold Action: 13 Citizenships Revoked and Two Marketing Agents Blacklisted
In a significant enforcement move, the **government of Saint Kitts & Nevis** has **revoked the citizenship** of 13 investors along with their dependents. Alongside this, they have permanently blacklisted two marketing firms and severed ties with MSR Media Ltd. This decision, announced yesterday, aims to reinforce the integrity of the **Citizenship by Investment (CBI)** program amidst increasing scrutiny.
The Investigation That Sparked Action
The fallout follows a **thorough investigation** by the Ministry of National Security into the practices of two International Marketing Agents, revealing **irregularities** in 158 applications linked to the program. The government issued the **Saint Christopher and Nevis Citizenship (Deprivation of Citizenship) Order of 2025** after finding that these investors had **failed to meet statutory minimum investment requirements** while falsely claiming compliance in their applications. This investigation underscores the government’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the CBI program.
Outcomes of the Investigation
Out of the 158 individuals contacted, **32 were able to rectify their accounts** by paying their overdue balances and thus avoided penalties. However, the fate of 13 investors took a different turn; they acknowledged their non-payment but took no action to correct it. Consequently, their citizenship has been revoked. While one individual has requested a **Commission of Inquiry hearing**, the rest are currently in discussions to negotiate settlements.
A Stiff Penalty for Marketing Agents
In a decisive move, the **Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU)** has permanently blacklisted **Latitude Consultancy** and **RIF Trust**. According to a government statement, these firms deviated from proper regulations by marketing the program below statutory minimums and providing clients with **misleading assurances of discounts**, thereby violating the established norms of the CBI program.
As a result, both firms are now **banned from undertaking any CBI-related activities** and prohibited from presenting themselves as agents or affiliates of the program. This action sends a clear message regarding the standards the government expects from its partners in this investment scheme.
Responses from the Blacklisted Firms
IMI reached out for comments from both Latitude Consultancy and RIF Trust, leading to the following statements:
Latitude Consultancy’s Official Stance:
“We note the recent announcement issued by the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis. We categorically deny the allegations made against our company. We were not given a fair opportunity to formally respond, as the CIU set a deadline of April 11th yet issued public accusations before our response. This raises concerns about the credibility of the investigation and the motives behind this announcement.”
“We are preparing a robust legal response and remain committed to cooperating with any credible inquiries.” – **Eric Major, CEO and Chairman**.
RIF Trust’s Position:
“RIF Trust denies any wrongdoing and will vigorously defend our corporate integrity within the deadline specified by the CIU.” – **Mimoun Assraoui, Group CEO**.
The Fallout with MSR Media
Furthermore, the government has terminated its investment deal with **MSR Media SKN Ltd** and **MSR Hotels & Co. Ltd** due to multiple **contractual breaches**. Allegations against MSR Companies include failure to renovate tourism infrastructure, insufficient local employment, and unfulfilled commitments to film productions.
The government further accuses these entities of launching “a coordinated campaign to discredit” the CBI program and making false claims of unethical practices against officials.
The Global Context of CBI Programs
This series of enforcement actions comes amid **growing international pressure** on CBI programs worldwide. Recently, the **European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties** voted to advance amendments that could limit visa-free access for countries operating under such schemes. The measures undertaken by Saint Kitts & Nevis align with Prime Minister **Terrance Drew’s** pledge to take necessary steps to protect the reputation of the nation and the integrity of its CBI program.
The government has made it abundantly clear: it adheres to a **zero-tolerance policy** against abuse in the CBI program, ensuring that only **credible and compliant investors** benefit from Saint Kitts & Nevis citizenship.
Stay Informed: Explore More on Investment Migration
This ongoing situation underscores the critical nature of compliance within Citizenship by Investment programs. As developments unfold, it will be essential to monitor how these changes impact investors and agents in the coming months.
For more insights into the shifting landscape of investment migration, be sure to explore additional resources and tools offered by IMI.
