US imposes sanctions on former Haitian lawmaker and gang leader – Dominica Gazette

News America, New York, NY, September 25, 2024: The U.S. Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on another Haitian politician, former lawmaker Prophane Victor, as part of ongoing efforts to address escalating violence in Haiti.

The US has imposed sanctions on Prophane Victor.

A U.S. State Department spokesperson said Victor is being sanctioned for his role in forming, supporting and arming gangs that have committed serious human rights abuses in Haiti.

In addition to Victor, the Treasury Department has also sanctioned Luckson Elan, the current leader of the Gran Grif gang, for his involvement in human rights violations related to gang activities in the Haitian department of Artibonite.

The new sanctions came into effect just over a month ago, after former President Michel Martelly was also sanctioned.

“Victor and Elan, through their influence or leadership of gangs in Haiti, have sought to perpetuate horrific violence and instability,” said Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith. “Treasury remains committed to holding accountable those who seek to use human rights abuses, violence, and corruption to advance their political goals.”

Both Victor and Elan were identified in the latest report by the United Nations Panel of Experts as key figures responsible for the crisis in Haiti. The report described gang-related violence as unprecedented, citing “indiscriminate attacks on the population” and obstruction of humanitarian aid. It also highlighted the increase in sexual and gender-based violence, particularly rape, as one of the most horrific forms of violence in the past two years.

“Promoting accountability for gender-based violence is a top priority for the U.S. government and our use of the Global Magnitsky sanctions program,” a State Department spokesperson stressed. “We will continue to use the tools at our disposal to expose those who commit such heinous crimes wherever they occur.”

Victor, a former Haitian legislator, began arming young men in Petite Rivière, Artibonite, to secure his political control over the area, culminating in his election in 2016. These men later formed the Gran Grif gang, now the largest gang in the Artibonite region and a major perpetrator of abuses including sexual violence. Victor continued to support the gang until at least 2020, and has also been involved in arms trafficking and financial support for other gangs in Haiti.

Elan, as the current leader of Gran Grif, is responsible for countless atrocities, including kidnapping, murder, rape, and the forced recruitment of children. His gang’s violence has devastated communities, with innocent civilians paying the price for the ongoing gang conflict.

Following these sanctions, all U.S. properties and assets of Victor and Elan will be blocked and U.S. persons will not be allowed to engage in transactions with them. Violations of these sanctions may result in civil or criminal penalties. Non-U.S. persons will also be prohibited from facilitating activities that would violate the sanctions.

Financial institutions and individuals doing business with the sanctioned entities are at risk of enforcement actions or additional sanctions. These restrictions include prohibitions on contributions or provision of funds, goods or services to or from a designated person.

The sanctions come as U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken announced an additional $160 million in development, economic, health and security assistance to Haiti, bringing total U.S. foreign assistance since fiscal year 2021 to more than $1.3 billion.

“The United States stands with the Haitian people and their aspirations for a peaceful and democratic Haiti,” Blinken said.

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