In a significant move, US federal prosecutors have announced criminal charges against Jimmy Cherizier, known as "Barbecue," who leads powerful gangs in Haiti, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince. The indictment claims Cherizier and US citizen Bazile Richardson solicited funds from the Haitian diaspora in the US to support gang activities and purchase firearms, violating US sanctions.
Cherizier, a former police officer, leads the gang alliance called Viv Ansanm (Live Together) and is currently at large. The US is offering a $5 million reward for information leading to his arrest due to his involvement in heinous crimes, including multiple murders and attacks on civilians. "There's a good reason that there's a $5m reward for information leading to Cherizier's arrest," said US Attorney Jeanine Pirro.
Richardson was arrested in Texas and is accused of helping to finance Cherizier's operations. The US government has taken a hard stance against Viv Ansanm, which it designated as a foreign terrorist organization in May. The group has been linked to rising violence, insecurity, and a humanitarian crisis affecting millions in Haiti.
Since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, Haiti has struggled with severe economic and political turmoil, leading to a humanitarian crisis affecting over half of its population. UN efforts to stabilize the country have faced significant hurdles, leaving many citizens in dire need of assistance.
Cherizier, a former police officer, leads the gang alliance called Viv Ansanm (Live Together) and is currently at large. The US is offering a $5 million reward for information leading to his arrest due to his involvement in heinous crimes, including multiple murders and attacks on civilians. "There's a good reason that there's a $5m reward for information leading to Cherizier's arrest," said US Attorney Jeanine Pirro.
Richardson was arrested in Texas and is accused of helping to finance Cherizier's operations. The US government has taken a hard stance against Viv Ansanm, which it designated as a foreign terrorist organization in May. The group has been linked to rising violence, insecurity, and a humanitarian crisis affecting millions in Haiti.
Since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, Haiti has struggled with severe economic and political turmoil, leading to a humanitarian crisis affecting over half of its population. UN efforts to stabilize the country have faced significant hurdles, leaving many citizens in dire need of assistance.