Switzerland has blocked funds held in Swiss bank accounts by Haiti’s former leader Jean-Claude Duvalier under a law that has just come into force.
The funds of some $6m (£3.7m) were frozen in 1986 after Mr Duvalier was ousted as Haitian president.
Last year, a Swiss court ruled that the money be returned to him but the Bern government sought a new law covering the restitution of the money to Haiti.
Mr Duvalier last month made a surprise return to Haiti from exile.
He has been charged with theft and misappropriation of funds during his 1971-1986 rule and is also being sued for torture and other crimes against humanity.
Mr Duvalier, also known as “Baby Doc”, has denied any wrongdoing.
