In a significant move to combat terrorism, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced sanctions on October 17, 2025, targeting two prominent Haitian gang leaders, Dimitri Herard and Kempes Sanon. Both individuals are linked to the notorious Haitian gang coalition ‘Viv Ansanm,’ which was designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist Organization (SDGT) and a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. Department of State on May 2, 2025. The sanctions were enacted under Executive Order 13224, which aims to disrupt terrorist activities by targeting their supporters and financiers. Dimitri Herard, a former Haitian police officer and ex-Commander-in-Chief of the General Security Unit of the National Palace, has been implicated in the 2021 assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse. Since his escape from prison in 2024, Herard has allegedly provided training and weapons to ‘Viv Ansanm,’ fueling coordinated attacks against Haitian state institutions. Kempes Sanon, leader of the Bel Air gang—a key member of the ‘Viv Ansanm’ alliance—has been accused of orchestrating civilian killings, extortion, and kidnappings. The OFAC sanctions freeze all U.S.-based assets of the designated individuals and prohibit American entities from engaging in transactions with them. Violations could result in severe civil or criminal penalties. Additionally, foreign financial institutions facilitating transactions for these individuals risk secondary sanctions, including restrictions on U.S. correspondent accounts. This action underscores the U.S. government’s commitment to curbing terrorism and stabilizing Haiti’s fragile political landscape.