US federal prosecutors have officially charged Jimmy Cherizier, widely known as "Barbecue," for soliciting funds from the Haitian diaspora to support his gang operations, while US and international sanctions loom over him.
Criminal Charges Launched Against Notorious Haitian Gang Leader "Barbecue"
Criminal Charges Launched Against Notorious Haitian Gang Leader "Barbecue"
US federal authorities announce charges against Jimmy Cherizier, a powerful gang leader, highlighting serious humanitarian and security crises in Haiti.
In a significant crackdown on organized crime, US authorities have indicted Jimmy Cherizier, a notorious gang leader from Haiti, and his accomplice Bazile Richardson, for allegedly soliciting financial support from the Haitian diaspora. Cherizier, who commands the gang alliance known as Viv Ansanm (Live Together), has been evading capture while exerting control over significant parts of Port-au-Prince. The indictment specifies that the funds raised were intended for gang member compensation and firearm acquisitions, thus violating US sanctions.
The US is offering a $5 million reward for information leading to Cherizier's arrest, reflecting the serious concerns regarding his involvement in severe human rights abuses and violence, including the infamous La Saline massacre of 2018 that resulted in 71 deaths. US Attorney Jeanine Pirro emphasized that the charges aim to hold responsible those perpetuating Haiti's crisis, which has seen increased violence against citizens, including Americans.
Bazile Richardson, arrested in Texas, is cited as a facilitator of the funds for Cherizier's gang, highlighting a troubling link between Haitian immigrants and organized crime. Both men are accused of fueling a significant security crisis in Haiti, which has spiraled since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.
As gang control in Port-au-Prince deteriorates law and order, the humanitarian situation worsens, with UN reports indicating acute food insecurity affecting over half the population. Despite international sanctions from the US, Canada, and the UN, Cherizier remains a powerful figure, currently operating under the protection of his gang amidst failing attempts by foreign-led security forces to restore stability in Haiti.
The US is offering a $5 million reward for information leading to Cherizier's arrest, reflecting the serious concerns regarding his involvement in severe human rights abuses and violence, including the infamous La Saline massacre of 2018 that resulted in 71 deaths. US Attorney Jeanine Pirro emphasized that the charges aim to hold responsible those perpetuating Haiti's crisis, which has seen increased violence against citizens, including Americans.
Bazile Richardson, arrested in Texas, is cited as a facilitator of the funds for Cherizier's gang, highlighting a troubling link between Haitian immigrants and organized crime. Both men are accused of fueling a significant security crisis in Haiti, which has spiraled since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.
As gang control in Port-au-Prince deteriorates law and order, the humanitarian situation worsens, with UN reports indicating acute food insecurity affecting over half the population. Despite international sanctions from the US, Canada, and the UN, Cherizier remains a powerful figure, currently operating under the protection of his gang amidst failing attempts by foreign-led security forces to restore stability in Haiti.
