Combating Systemic Corruption in Haiti

Today, the United States is taking action to support the people of Haiti and respond to the ongoing instability in the country by imposing visa restrictions and financial sanctions on former President of the Haitian Chamber of Deputies Gary Bodeau for his involvement in corruption.

The Department of State is publicly designating Bodeau under Section 7031(c), rendering him generally ineligible for entry into the United States. Concurrently, the Department of the Treasury is designating Bodeau under the Global Magnitsky sanctions program and as a result of this action Bodeau’s financial assets in the United States have been blocked.

The United States and its partners will continue to use all tools at our disposal to support the Haitian people and promote accountability for corrupt actors who exploit the Haitian people and contribute to the ongoing instability in Haiti.

The Department of State designated Bodeau under Section 7031(c) of the annual Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act for involvement in significant corruption. The Department of the Treasury designated Bodeau pursuant to Executive Order 13818, which builds on and implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, for involvement in corruption. For additional information on today’s actions, please see the Department of the Treasury’s press release.