US federal prosecutors have filed criminal charges against Jimmy Cherizier, known as “Barbecue,” a Haitian gang leader accused of leading an alliance that controls much of Port-au-Prince.
Authorities say Cherizier and US citizen Bazile Richardson sought money from Haitian communities in the United States to pay gang members and buy firearms in breach of US sanctions.
Cherizier, a former police officer, heads the group Viv Ansanm, which has been linked to killings, kidnappings, and attacks on key sites.
He is wanted in connection with the 2018 La Saline massacre, where dozens were killed, homes destroyed, and women assaulted.
The US is offering a $5 million reward for information leading to his capture.
Richardson, also known by several aliases, was arrested in Texas last month after living in North Carolina. Officials say he helped collect and send funds to support Cherizier’s network.
Viv Ansanm was designated a foreign terrorist organisation in May. Despite sanctions from the US, UN, Canada, and Britain, Cherizier remains free in Haiti, protected by his forces.
The country continues to face deep instability, with gangs holding much of the capital, a collapsing health system, food shortages affecting millions, and ongoing displacement amid failed security interventions.