State Department Offers $5 Million Reward for Haitian Gang Leader

The U.S. State Department has announced a $5 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Jimmy “Barbecue” Sherizier, a prominent figure in a notorious Haitian gang. This action follows allegations that he has been involved in funding gang activities out of the U.S., as outlined in a recent statement from the agency.

The federal government is incentivizing individuals who can provide credible tips that result in Sherizier’s capture. The offer is also backed by the Department of Justice. An indictment against him claims he has violated U.S. sanctions by funneling money towards gangs, allegedly with the assistance of U.S. citizen Basil Richardson.

“The State Department is offering up to $5 million for leads that lead to the arrest and conviction of Jimmy Sherizier, the head of the foreign terrorist organization Viv Ansanm,” remarked Chris Lundberg, senior director at the International Bureau of Drugs and Law Enforcement Affairs. He added that the agency will persist in using various tools, including reward programs, to tackle the crisis of organized crime and violence on a multinational scale.

The U.S. Department of Justice identifies Sherizier as the leader of Viv Ansanm, a powerful gang alliance that has been causing significant unrest in Haiti, particularly in Port-au-Prince. This group was formed to consolidate various national gangs against the government, igniting a violent conflict that has led to the deaths and displacement of thousands in the country.

Reports indicate that Sherizier has solicited funds from Haitians residing in the U.S., aided by his associate Richardson. Allegedly, the money was funneled through intermediaries to support the gang’s operations, including arms procurement and soldier salaries.

Richardson was arrested in Texas on July 23rd and is currently awaiting trial. As for Sherizier, he is believed to have committed numerous human rights abuses, including his role in the notorious 2018 La Saline massacre, which claimed 71 lives and led to the destruction of over 400 homes. Recent gang attacks have resulted in more than 250 deaths and have left thousands of residents fleeing their neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince, according to data from the United Nations.

Currently, gang control extends over more than 90% of Haiti’s capital. U.N. reports highlight the alarming situation, with Sherizier and his accomplices allegedly attempting to raise funds in the U.S. to support their violent enterprises, which further exacerbate the security crisis in Haiti. The National Security Agency has stated that it will take a firm stand against criminal funding in the U.S. and pursue those who contribute to the unrest in Haiti.