The United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on the former president of Haiti’s Chamber of Deputies for what it called “his extensive involvement in corrupt practices” and blocked his entry into the country.
The former official, Gary Bodeau, was involved in several plots intended to influence the outcome of political appointments in Haiti, including facilitating and soliciting bribes worth millions of dollars, the US Treasury Department said.
“Corrupt officials like Bodeau have created an environment that empowers illegal armed gangs and their supporters to inflict violence on the Haitian people,” Treasury Under Secretary Brian Nelson said in a statement.
In a separate announcement, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington would impose visa restrictions to keep Bodeau out of the United States.
Bodeau had been sanctioned by Canada in November, along with two other Haitian politicians, Rony Celestin and Richard Fourcand. Ottawa accused them of aiding gang leaders and laundering their ill-gotten gains.
Celestin and Fourcand were also sanctioned by the United States in December for using their authority to promote drug trafficking.
Haiti’s gangs have expanded their power since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021, and Prime Minister Ariel Henry is struggling to restore order to the country.
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