Financial Crime World

Haiti’s Leaders Caught in Drug Trafficking Racket: U.S. and Canada Impose Sanctions

A Major Crackdown on Drug Trafficking in Haiti

In a significant move to combat drug trafficking, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has designated two top Haitian officials for their involvement in illegal activities. According to sources, Joseph Lambert, President of the Haitian Senate, and Youri Latortue, a former Senator, have been accused of using their positions to facilitate drug trafficking and collaborate with criminal networks.

The Accusations

  • Joseph Lambert is alleged to have led and facilitated cocaine trafficking from Colombia to Haiti over a period of two decades.
  • Youri Latortue has also been linked to drug trafficking activities.

Sanctions Imposed

The sanctions were imposed in coordination with the Government of Canada under Executive Order 14059, which targets individuals involved in the global illicit drug trade. As a result:

  • All property and interests in property held by Lambert and Latortue in the United States or under the control of U.S. persons must be blocked and reported to OFAC.
  • Any entities owned 50 percent or more by one or more blocked individuals are also subject to sanctions.

Implications

The implications of these sanctions are far-reaching, with potential consequences for anyone engaging in transactions with the designated individuals:

  • Foreign financial institutions that facilitate significant transactions or provide financial services may also be subject to U.S. sanctions.
  • Anyone engaging in transactions with Lambert and Latortue may face legal repercussions.

A Blow to Haiti’s Political Elite

The OFAC designation is seen as a major blow to Haiti’s political elite, signaling that the international community will no longer tolerate corruption and drug trafficking in the country. The move is expected to have significant consequences for those involved in illegal activities and demonstrates the U.S. and Canada’s commitment to combating global illicit drug trade.

Quote

“Joseph Lambert and Youri Latortue have abused their official positions to traffic drugs and collaborate with criminal networks, undermining the rule of law in Haiti,” said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson. “The United States and our international partners will continue to take action against those who facilitate drug trafficking, enable corruption, and seek to profit from instability in Haiti.”