December 22, 2024
The investigating magistrate has summoned Louis Gérald Gilles, requesting that he appear at the Investigative Office on November 19, 2024. This hearing is part of a thorough criminal investigation into allegations of passive corruption, bribery, and abuse of power tied to the National Credit Bank (NCB). This case raises serious concerns regarding the integrity of three members of the Transitional Presidential Council (TPC), who have been officially indicted following an order to investigate issued by Prosecutor Me Leonel Constant Bourgouin, Chief of the Prosecutor’s Office.
On November 14, Raoul Pierre Louis, former chairman of the National Credit Bank (NCB), is also expected to appear before Judge Benjamin Ferismé as part of this case, facing charges of active corruption as per the Anti-Corruption Act of March 12, 2014. In addition, other high-profile figures, including Consul Lonick Léandre and three presidential advisors — Smith Augustin and Emmanuel Vertilaire — are also under judicial scrutiny.
The significance of this investigation is underscored by a decree dated April 12, 2024, which outlines integrity requirements for TPC members. This decree explicitly states that anyone facing criminal charges or legal proceedings is barred from serving in the council. This regulation is aimed at promoting transparency and integrity within the TPC, especially as current corruption allegations cast a shadow over its operations.