Haiti : Conservatory Measures Against UN-Sanctioned Individuals: A Bluff that Ignores U.S. and Canadian Sanctions

In a note dated May 12, 2025, the Ministry of Justice and Public Security instructed the Government Commissioner at the Court of First Instance of Port-au-Prince to take conservatory measures against individuals sanctioned by the United Nations, including the immediate freezing of all their bank accounts. The note also recommended that specialized institutions and financial oversight bodies investigate the financial activities of those subject to international sanctions. At first glance, this appears to be a selective, partisan measure.

Indeed, only Barbecue, Izo, Ti Lapli, Lanmo San Jou, Vitel’Homme Innocent, Victor Prophane, and Luckson Elan have been hit by UN sanctions. Other politicians and members of the private sector subject to punitive measures have been targeted by the United States and Canada.

Do the gang leaders sanctioned by the United Nations even have bank accounts? Why impose conservatory measures on criminals who, until now, have proven stronger than even the security forces, while politicians and businessmen remain more or less within reach?

In any case, the conservatory measures announced by the Ministry of Justice against individuals sanctioned by the UN are purely and simply a bluff, conveniently ignoring the sanctions imposed by the United States and Canada.