Haitian Presidential Advisors Implicated in BNC Bribery Scandal, U.S. Revokes Visas

Haitian Presidential Advisors Implicated in BNC Bribery Scandal, U.S. Revokes Visas


A major corruption scandal has erupted in Haiti, implicating three high-ranking presidential advisors in an alleged bribery scheme involving the Banque Nationale de Crédit (BNC), Haiti's national bank. The United States has responded by revoking the visas of the individuals involved, signaling a strong stance against corruption.

The scandal centers around presidential council members Smith Augustin, Emmanuel Vertilaire, and Gerald Gilles, who allegedly requested 100 million gourdes (approximately 1.5 million USD) from BNC's President Raoul Pierre-Louis. In exchange for this substantial sum, the advisors reportedly offered their votes to keep Pierre-Louis in his position at the helm of the national bank.

The story broke on Monday, July 29, when prominent Haitian journalist Valery Numa announced during his broadcast that Smith Augustin's U.S. visa had been revoked. Augustin was en route to Paris to attend the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games when he was denied boarding on an American Airlines flight due to the sudden cancellation of his travel documents.

This direct attempt to influence the leadership of Haiti's national bank for personal gain represents a severe breach of trust and abuse of power at the highest levels of government. The involvement of three presidential advisors suggests a coordinated effort to exploit their positions for financial benefit, raising serious questions about the integrity of Haiti's financial institutions and government operations.

The U.S. government's swift action in revoking the visas of those implicated sends a clear message about its zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. This move could potentially strain diplomatic relations between Haiti and the United States, as well as impact international aid and cooperation programs.

As of now, the Haitian government has not issued an official statement regarding the allegations or the visa revocations. However, during an interview on the popular show Edloz Live, council member Frinel Joseph refrained from commenting directly on the matter. Speaking to veteran journalist Ed Lozama, Joseph stated that the council is awaiting the results of an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC), emphasizing that everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty. This response suggests a cautious approach from within the government, as officials attempt to balance the presumption of innocence with the gravity of the allegations.

The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the full impact of this scandal on Haiti's governance, its financial institutions, and its relationships with international partners. The outcome of the ULCC investigation will likely play a significant role in shaping public opinion and potential consequences for those involved.

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