US sanctions former Haitian president for corruption and drug trafficking
The United States has sanctioned former Haitian president Michel Joseph Martelly for corruption and involvement in drug trafficking, saying he ‘abused his influence to facilitate the trafficking of dangerous drugs, including cocaine, destined for the United States.’
The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (‘OFAC’) said, 20 August, he also ‘engaged in the laundering of illicit drug proceeds, worked with Haitian drug traffickers, and sponsored multiple Haiti-based gangs.’ His name was added to the Non-SDN Menu-Based Sanctions List (NS-MBS List).
‘Today’s action against Martelly emphasizes the significant and destabilizing role he and other corrupt political elites have played in perpetuating the ongoing crisis in Haiti,’ said acting Treasury Under Secretary Bradley Smith. ‘The United States, along with our international partners, is committed to disrupting those who facilitate the drug trafficking, corruption, and other illicit activities fueling the horrific gang violence and political instability.’
The sanctions mean that US financial institutions are prohibited from making loans or providing credit to Martelly, any transactions in foreign exchange that are subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and in which Martelly has any interest are prohibited, and US persons are banned from investing in or purchasing significant amounts of equity or debt instruments of the ex-president.
