Haiti’s Former Chamber of Deputies President Sanctioned by US Treasury for Corruption
The United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed economic sanctions on former Haitian Chamber of Deputies President Gary Bodeau, citing his involvement in extensive corruption in Haiti.
Background
On [Date], the US Treasury’s OFAC imposed economic sanctions on Gary Bodeau, former President of the Haitian Chamber of Deputies, under Executive Order 13818. This order targets individuals responsible for serious human rights abuse and corruption around the world.
Allegations of Corruption
According to OFAC, Bodeau was involved in several corrupt schemes, including:
- Facilitating and soliciting bribes worth millions of dollars to influence political appointments and secure votes
- Creating an environment that empowers illegal armed gangs and their supporters to inflict violence on the Haitian people
Previous Sanctions
In December [Year], the US Treasury sanctioned two other Haitian politicians, Rony Celestin and Richard Fourcand, for abusing their power to facilitate drug trafficking activities. Canada has also sanctioned Bodeau.
Consequences of the Sanction
As a result of the sanction:
- All property and interests in property owned or controlled by Bodeau that are in the United States or in the possession or control of US persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC
- Financial institutions and other entities that engage in transactions with Bodeau may also expose themselves to sanctions
Broader Effort
This sanction is part of a broader effort to combat corruption and human rights abuse around the world, building on the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. The US Treasury aims to impose tangible consequences on those who commit serious human rights abuse or engage in corruption, while protecting the financial system from abuse by these individuals.
Warning to Others
This sanction serves as a warning to others involved in corrupt activities that they will be held accountable for their actions, said officials.
By imposing sanctions on Bodeau and others like him, the US Treasury is sending a strong message that corruption will not be tolerated and that those who engage in it will face consequences.