WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned former Haitian President Michel Joseph Martelly under Executive Order 14059, "Imposing Sanctions on Foreign Persons Involved in the Global Illicit Drug Trade."
“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 Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith. “The United States, along with our international partners, is committed to disrupting those who facilitate drug trafficking, corruption, and other illicit activities fueling horrific gang violence and political instability.”
Haiti's environment of widespread gang activity and human rights abuses facilitates drug trafficking activities. The country serves as a transit point for illicit drugs entering the United States. Many of Haiti’s political and business elites have been involved in drug trafficking and linked to gangs responsible for violence that has destabilized Haiti. The United States aims to promote accountability and foster a more prosperous, democratic, and secure future for Haitians.
Martelly used his influence to facilitate the trafficking of dangerous drugs, including cocaine destined for the United States. He also engaged in laundering illicit drug proceeds, collaborated with Haitian drug traffickers, and sponsored multiple gangs based in Haiti. Previously, Martelly was sanctioned by Canada on November 17, 2022.
Sanctioned under E.O. 14059 for contributing to or posing a significant risk of contributing to the international proliferation of illicit drugs or their means of production, Martelly faces several prohibitions related to these sanctions. OFAC has added him to the Non-SDN Menu-Based Sanctions List (NS-MBS List), coordinating closely with the Drug Enforcement Administration on this action.
As a result of this sanction:
1. U.S. financial institutions are prohibited from making loans or providing credit to Martelly.
2. Transactions involving foreign exchange subject to U.S jurisdiction where Martelly has any interest are prohibited.
3. U.S persons are prohibited from investing in or purchasing significant amounts of equity or debt instruments associated with Martelly.
Violations of E.O 14059 may result in civil or criminal penalties for U.S persons while non-U.S persons are also prohibited from causing violations by U.S persons or engaging in conduct that evades U.S sanctions.
OFAC's Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide information regarding enforcement actions taken by OFAC which considers various factors when determining appropriate responses to apparent violations.
Sanctions aim not only at punishment but also at promoting positive behavioral changes consistent with legal standards allowing removal from OFAC lists upon compliance verification through an established process detailed on their website.
For more information about today's sanction click here.
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