The U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today imposed sanctions on former Haitian President Michel Martelli, OFAC announced in a press release.
OFAC cited the former Haitian president's involvement in the global illegal drug trade as the reason for imposing the sanctions. According to Press release issued by OFAC.
This measure was taken pursuant to a presidential decree. 14059 “The implementation of sanctions against foreign nationals involved in the global illegal drug trade” highlights the key role played by Martelli and other corrupt politicians in exacerbating the ongoing crisis in Haiti. (Related article: Haitian gang 'King' and 'Queen' convicted of gun running, laundering ransom money for kidnapping of US citizens)
Image not from article. The sun shines above the side entrance of the U.S. Treasury Building. (Photo by J. David Ake/Getty Images)
“Today's action against Martelli underscores the significant and destabilizing role he and other members of Haiti's corrupt political elite have played in perpetuating the ongoing crisis,” Bradley T. Smith, acting Under Secretary of State for Counterterrorism and Financial Intelligence, said in a statement. “The United States is committed to working with our international partners to disrupt those who facilitate drug trafficking, corruption, and other illicit activities and foment horrific gang violence and political instability.”
“Haiti is a key transit point for illegal drugs bound for the United States and has long been plagued by widespread gang activity and human rights violations. The involvement of political and business elites in drug trafficking further destabilizes the country. The statement further underpins the U.S. Government's determination to hold these individuals accountable.”
According to the announcement, Martelli is accused of abusing his political influence to facilitate the trafficking of dangerous drugs, including cocaine, into the United States. He is also accused of laundering the proceeds of these illegal activities, collaborating with Haitian drug traffickers, and supporting multiple Haiti-based gangs. Martelli was sanctioned by the Canadian government in November 2022.
As a result of the sanctions imposed by OFAC, Mr. Martelly is subject to various prohibitions, including that U.S. financial institutions are prohibited from lending or extending credit to him, and he is prohibited from engaging in any foreign exchange transactions under U.S. jurisdiction in which he has an interest.
In addition, Americans are prohibited from making significant investments or purchasing stocks or bonds related to Martelli. “Sanctions are a tool used to exert pressure, but their ultimate goal is to encourage positive change,” OFAC said in a statement.
