PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — August 2025 — The United States has announced a $5 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Haitian gang leader Jimmy “Barbeque” Cherizier. Authorities accuse him of violating US sanctions and funding gang operations in Haiti.
Who is Jimmy “Barbeque”?
Cherizier, 48, a former police officer, leads the gang alliance G9 Family and the group Viv Ansanm (Live Together). The alliance controls much of Port-au-Prince. Officials allege that Cherizier and Bazile Richardson, a US citizen arrested in Texas last month, solicited funds from the Haitian diaspora in the United States. They reportedly used this money to pay gang members and buy firearms. Cherizier remains at large in Haiti but continues to wield significant street influence.
Alleged Crimes and Sanctions
US prosecutors suspect Cherizier of involvement in the 2018 La Saline massacre, which killed 71 people, destroyed over 400 houses, and saw multiple women raped. The US Treasury sanctioned him in 2020, and the UN followed in 2022. Canada and the United Kingdom have also sanctioned him. Earlier this year, Viv Ansanm declared itself a political party, despite being designated a foreign terrorist organization by the US.
Embed from Getty ImagesHumanitarian and Security Crisis
Haiti suffers from a breakdown of law and order. Health services have collapsed, and food insecurity is widespread. UN reports show 5.7 million people face acute food insecurity, with over 1 million internally displaced. Efforts by a UN-backed Kenyan-led security force have not restored control in Port-au-Prince. US authorities warn that Cherizier’s network continues to fuel instability and violence.
Reward and Legal Action
Anyone providing information leading to Cherizier’s capture could receive the $5 million reward. If arrested, he could be extradited to the United States.
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