US Sanctions Former Haitian President Martelly

The U.S. Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on former Haitian President Michel Joseph Martelly for drug trafficking, money laundering, and gang sponsorship, highlighting his role in perpetuating Haiti's ongoing crisis. Acting Under Secretary Bradley T. Smith emphasized that these actions target corrupt political elites who exacerbate instability and gang violence in Haiti. Martelly allegedly facilitated the trafficking of cocaine into the U.S. and laundered drug proceeds while collaborating with local traffickers and gangs. This follows previous sanctions from Canada in 2022 against Martelly for similar accusations. The situation in Haiti is dire, with gang violence displacing over 300,000 children and international efforts, including a deployment of Kenyan police, underway to restore order. The sanctions are part of a broader commitment by the U.S. to hold accountable those contributing to gang violence regardless of their influence.