United States: Citibank Closes All Accounts of Haitian Embassy and Consulates Due to Mismanagement

Citibank, one of the largest financial institutions in the United States, has proceeded to close all bank accounts linked to the Embassy of Haiti in Washington and its various consulates on American territory. This radical decision comes after several months of warnings addressed to Haitian authorities regarding practices deemed irregular in the management of diplomatic funds.

According to sources close to the matter, the bank had repeatedly notified the Haitian state of its intention to terminate this relationship if no corrective measures were taken. The lack of an adequate response or significant changes reportedly precipitated Citibank's action.

As part of this closure, the bank proceeded with the full restitution of available funds in the affected accounts. Among the amounts returned is a significant sum of approximately 6.5 million US dollars, initially intended for the construction of the new building for the Consulate General of Haiti in Miami. This project, announced several years ago, remains unfinished to date.

It should be recalled that on several occasions, requests had been made to the Haitian state for the demolition of the current consulate building in Miami, deemed dilapidated and dangerous. At least two moratoriums were requested by Haitian authorities to suspend this procedure. In this context, it would be appropriate for the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC) and the Superior Court of Accounts and Administrative Disputes (CSC/CA) to take up the case to closely monitor the management of these approximately 6 million dollars currently in circulation.

April 29, 2025