The U.S. sanctioned some officials last night, and that's who they are.

The corrupt actions receive resources from citizens, undermine public confidence and endanger the progress of those fighting for democracy. The treasure is devoted to opposing those who seek personal enrichment at the expense of people who are entrusted with service in the midst of a global pandemic. They are taking these actions today to expose and hold corrupt leaders” responsible, said US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. The sanctions are presented as follows.

The list of sanctioned individuals begins with Mrs. Martha Recinos De Bernal from El Salvador. The Treasury Department says it has been the leader of a multimillion-dollar corruption scheme involving suspicious procurements for the construction of a hospital, as well as for the guidance of several ministers to authorise suspicious purchases regarding pandemic, including millions of dollars in masks. De Bernal is chief of President Bukele's cabinet.

Manuel Victor Martinez Olivet of Guatemala is also on the list. In March 2021, he was charged with involvement in various acts of embezzlement, fraud and abuse of authority during his term as Health Zone director Santa Rosa inside the Ministry of Public Health.

The list of sanctioned continues with a member of the Liberia Senate, Prince Jimmy Johnson. Johnson has been commander during the first civil war in the African state and is mentioned in the Liberia Truth and Conciliatory Report for committing atrocities during the conflict. As senator, he is involved in financing with ministries and organisations for personal enrichment, says the Treasury Department. Johnson is also accused of offering vote sales to some parties in exchange for the money.

Also sanctioned is Andriy Portnov, former deputy chairman of Ukraine's Presidential Administration at the time of former President Yanukovych. He is accused of maintaining broad ties with the judiciary system and the state law-ruler through bribery. Portov is accused of using the influence to buy access and verdicts in Ukrainian courts and undermine reform efforts. Moreover, Portnov is said to be involved in an attempt to influence Ukraine's attorney general.

Also on the list of sanctions are Leopoldino Fragosto do Nascimento and Manuel Helder Vieira Dias Junior, former government officials who are charged with stealing billions of dollars from the Angola government through embezzlement.

Consequences of Sanctions

“As a result of today's action, all property and interests on the property of the above mentioned persons in the United States are either owned or controlled by US persons blocked and reported to the Office for Control of Foreign Assets”, says the Treasury Department's announcement.

Moreover, whatever entity is owned, directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by one or more of the people blocked, the notice further states. Besides, all transactions related to the evidence of sanctioned persons will be blocked. /