Washington [US], October 19: The United States Treasury has sanctioned two Haitians, one a former police officer and the other an alleged gang leader, for their affiliation with the Viv Ansanm criminal alliance.
On Friday, a Treasury news release accused Dimitri Herard and Kempes Sanon of colluding with Viv Ansanm, thereby contributing to the violence wracking Haiti. The sanctions block either person from accessing assets or property in the US. They also prohibit US-based entities from engaging in transactions with the two men.
"Today's action underscores the critical role of gang leaders and facilitators like Herard and Sanon, whose support enables Viv Ansanm's campaign of violence, extortion, and terrorism in Haiti," Bradley T Smith, the director of the US Office of Foreign Assets Control, said in a statement.
Since taking office for a second term, US President Donald Trump has sought to take a hardline stance against criminal organisations across Latin America, blaming the groups for unregulated immigration and drug-trafficking on US soil.
Trump has termed their actions a criminal "invasion", using nativist rhetoric to justify military action in international waters. (Agencies)
Source: Qatar Tribune