Overview
- OFAC froze any U.S. properties tied to Sanon and Herard and barred U.S. persons from transactions with them.
- Officials allege Herard, who escaped prison in 2024 after being jailed in the Moïse case, provided training and firearms to Viv Ansanm leaders and backed attacks on state institutions.
- Kempes Sanon, identified as the Bel Air gang boss in downtown Port-au-Prince, is accused of indiscriminate killings, extortion, illicit taxation, and kidnappings while helping the coalition consolidate power.
- The U.N. Security Council renewed its Haiti sanctions regime as the U.N. and U.S. cited Herard’s role in facilitating arms for gangs and Sanon’s contribution to the alliance’s influence.
- Analysts caution the practical impact could be limited if the targets lack U.S.-based assets, with broader security deployments stalled as gangs hold large parts of the capital.