Haiti: US Slaps Sanctions on Former Chamber of Deputies President Gary Bodeau for Corruption

Washington D.C. - The United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned former Haitian Chamber of Deputies President Gary Bodeau, in accordance with Executive Order 13818, for his extensive involvement in corruption in Haiti.

According to OFAC, Bodeau was involved in several corrupt schemes, including: * Facilitating and soliciting bribes worth millions of dollars * Engaging in other corrupt activities

The sanctions were announced today and come after a similar action in December that designated two Haitian politicians for their role in drug trafficking activities.

“This action sends a strong message that the US will not tolerate corruption and human rights abuse,” said Under Secretary of the Treasury Brian E. Nelson. “We are committed to holding accountable those who undermine the integrity of Haiti’s government and destabilize the country, along with our partners, including Canada.”

Consequences of Sanctions

As a result of today’s action: * All property and interests in property of Bodeau that are in the United States or in the possession or control of US persons are blocked * Transactions by US persons or within the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated individuals are prohibited

Broader Effort to Combat Corruption

Bodeau’s designation is part of a broader effort to combat corruption and human rights abuse around the world, as outlined in Executive Order 13818, which builds upon the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. The sanctions aim to: * Impose tangible and significant consequences on those who commit serious human rights abuse or engage in corruption * Protect the financial system of the United States from abuse

Positive Change through Sanctions

The US seeks to bring about a positive change in behavior through its sanctions, rather than punishing those involved.