US federal prosecutors have publicly announced criminal charges against Jimmy Cherizier, widely known as "Barbecue," the notorious gang leader who heads an alliance of gangs controlling large portions of Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince. The indictment claims that Cherizier, alongside Bazile Richardson, a 48-year-old US citizen, solicited financial contributions from the Haitian diaspora in the United States to support their gang's operations, including purchasing firearms, a move that reportedly violates US sanctions.
Cherizier, a former police officer currently evading capture in Haiti, leads the gang known as Viv Ansanm (Live Together). The US government has placed a $5 million reward for information leading to his arrest due to his alleged involvement in numerous violent crimes, including high-profile kidnappings and murders. During a recent news conference, US Attorney Jeanine Pirro remarked on the severity of Cherizier's actions, stating, "There's a good reason that there's a $5m reward for information leading to Cherizier's arrest... he's a gang leader responsible for heinous human rights abuses, including violence against American citizens in Haiti."
Prosecutors further allege that Cherizier played a significant role in the infamous La Saline massacre of 2018, in which 71 individuals lost their lives, hundreds of homes were destroyed, and multiple women endured sexual violence. Meanwhile, Richardson was apprehended in Texas last month. He is reported to have grown up in Haiti and was living in North Carolina at the time of his arrest. Richardson, also referred to as Fredo, has been accused of assisting in fundraising efforts that directly supported kidnappings and the purchase of arms.
“This indictment reflects our commitment to holding accountable those who contribute to the violent plight in Haiti,” stated Assistant US Attorney General John Eisenberg. He emphasized that the US will remain relentless in pursuing individuals who perpetuate instability and violence within Haiti. The US had designated the Viv Ansanm gang as a foreign terrorist organization earlier this year, given its control over the capital since 2020. In a surprising move, the gang has also sought to redefine its identity by declaring itself a political party.
Cherizier faces sanctions not only from the US but also from the United Nations, Canada, and the UK due to his reputed role in escalating violence throughout Haiti. Should he be apprehended, extradition to the US may follow, although he currently maintains substantial influence within his community, bolstered by his gang members. This ongoing violence follows the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, unleashing further chaos in the already impoverished nation. Since then, Haiti's governance has deteriorated, leading to heightened gang warfare and a near-collapse of law and order.
The UN has drawn attention to the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Haiti, estimating that over 5.7 million individuals–more than half the country's population–are currently grappling with acute food insecurity, alongside more than one million people who have been displaced internally. Despite international attempts to restore order, including a UN backed Kenyan-led security force, the situation remains dire.
