On October 2, 2024, a harsh report by an anti-corruption organization in Haiti accused three members of the nation’s transitional presidential council of bribery, posing a danger to the already precarious political stability of the area.
The director of the government-owned National Bank of Credit is said to have demanded more than $750,000 from Smith Augustin, Emmanuel Vertilaire, and Louis Gérald Gilles to keep his position, according to the Unit for Combating Corruption’s report.
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According to the agency, Gilles arranged a meeting at the Royal Oasis Hotel in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, between the council members, the former bank director, Raoul Pascal Pierre-Louis, and the consul of Haiti, Lonick Leandre. At this meeting, the demand was made. Leandre is also charged with taking bribes.
Following the meeting, Pierre-Louis brought up the demand with a judge and Prime Minister Garry Conille. According to the article, Pierre-Louis suggested setting up loans or credit lines as he was unable to provide more than $750,000.
According to the authorities, four credit lines were quickly set up, with Leandre receiving a fourth line worth up to $13,500 and the other three accused council members receiving up to $20,000.
The anti-corruption section announced that criminal accusations of bribery and corruption are being brought against the bank manager and the three council members. Leandre is accused of triggering payments for bribes. Commenting on any of them was not possible.
Additionally, Pierre-Louis’ extradition from the US was demanded by the CIA.
