HAITI: Banking Regulations Compliance Notice

October 23, 2023 - The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has updated the UK Sanctions List on GOV.UK to reflect new designations under regulations made under the Sanctions Act.

Update Affects Haitian Gang Leader Jimmy Cherizier

The update targets Jimmy Cherizier (Group ID: 15704), a former police officer linked to serious human rights abuses in Haiti. He is one of Haiti’s most influential gang leaders and leads an alliance of Haitian gangs known as the “G9 Family and Allies”.

Compliance Requirements Under the Haiti (Sanctions) Regulations 2022

Under these regulations, banks and financial institutions are required to:

• Check Accounts and Funds: Verify whether you maintain any accounts or hold any funds or economic resources for Jimmy Cherizier or entities owned or controlled by him.
• Freeze Funds: Freeze such accounts and other funds or economic resources.
• Refrain from Dealing with Funds: Refrain from dealing with the funds or economic resources, or making them available directly or indirectly to or for the benefit of designated persons unless licensed by the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) or if an exception applies.
• Report Findings: Report any findings to OFSI, together with the information or other matter on which the knowledge or suspicion is based.

Failure to Comply with UK Financial Sanctions Legislation

Failure to comply with UK financial sanctions legislation may be a criminal offence. It is essential to take immediate action to ensure compliance.

Additional Information and Support

For more information, please visit the GOV.UK website or contact the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation at ofsi@hmtreasury.gov.uk.