UN sanctions: accounts emptied and fake passports

The report also highlights that the arms embargo remains largely ineffective. Seizures of ammunition remain low and fail to stop the rearming of gangs, which continue to regularly obtain weapons and ammunition.

Furthermore, according to the Haitian Central Bank, several accounts were closed rather than frozen following unilateral sanctions by countries like the United States or Canada. This allowed sanctioned individuals to withdraw their funds before effective measures were applied.

Additionally, the issuance of excess passports with falsified tax stamps is also reported by Haitian authorities. This practice allows sanctioned individuals to easily obtain travel documents under false names or for foreigners.

Continued Violations and Limited Impact

The report indicates that the arms embargo is regularly violated, facilitating the rearming of gangs. Seizures of weapons remain limited: since October 2022, only 69 handguns and 80,944 rounds of ammunition have been intercepted.

Arms traffickers continue their activities with little perceived risk. Some purchase weapons under their own names from licensed gun dealers, while others leave their identification papers in the shipments. Black market prices remain high: a 9mm pistol sells for between $2,000 and $4,000.

Evading Sanctions

Only two accounts have been truly frozen for a total of approximately $3,300. Other funds were often transferred or hidden before effective measures were applied, while several banks closed the accounts rather than freezing them.

The United States reminds that all assets of sanctioned individuals on its territory are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. However, implementation remains limited in other countries like the Dominican Republic.

Falsified Passports

According to Haitian authorities, excess passports are issued with falsified tax stamps. This practice allows sanctioned individuals to travel under false names or for others.