Former Prime Minister Laurent Salvador was sanctioned on Friday by the US government for his involvement in major acts of corruption in Haiti. The former head of government and Minister of Planning and External Cooperation is accused of embezzling $60 million of Petrocaribe funds earmarked for infrastructure and social protection projects, according to a statement issued by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday, June 2, 2023.
“Today, I am announcing the designation of Laurent Salvador Lamothe, former Prime Minister of Haiti and Minister of Planning and External Cooperation, for his involvement in significant corruption. This action renders Lamothe generally ineligible to enter the U.S.,” said Antony Blinken.
“Lamothe embezzled at least $60 million from the Haitian government’s PetroCaribe infrastructure investment and social protection fund for private use. Through this corrupt act and his direct involvement in the management of the fund, he exploited his role as a public official and contributed to the current instability in Haiti,” the statement continues.
The head of US diplomacy affirms that the United States continues to “support the citizens, organizations and public officials of Haiti who are committed to generating hope and opportunity for a better future in their country. The United States will continue to promote accountability for those who abuse public power for personal gain. And, today’s designation is part of a series of actions that promote accountability for those who foment violence, block vital humanitarian aid and enrich themselves at the expense of the Haitian people.