The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs has announced a reward offer of up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Haitian gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, also known as “Barbecue.” The reward is being offered under the Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program (TOCRP).
Cherizier leads Viv Ansanm, which was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the Secretary of State on May 2, 2025. He is considered a central figure in gang violence in Haiti and has been implicated in mass murder and rape of civilians.
In December 2020, Cherizier and two Haitian public officials were sanctioned under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act for their involvement in the La Saline massacre and other severe human rights abuses.
The Department of Justice recently unsealed an indictment against Cherizier in the District of Columbia. He faces one count of conspiracy to violate U.S. sanctions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). According to authorities, Cherizier avoided sanctions placed on him in 2020 under the Global Magnitsky Act. His co-defendant, Brazile Richardson, appeared in court today in Washington, D.C.
“Today’s reward offer complements the Department of Justice’s unsealing of the indictment of Cherizier in the District of Columbia, charging him with one count of conspiracy to violate U.S. sanctions in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Cherizier avoided sanctions placed on him in 2020 under the Global Magnitsky Act. His co-defendant, Brazile Richardson, also made his initial court appearance today in Washington, D.C.”
The TOCRP aims to support law enforcement efforts to disrupt transnational crime and bring fugitives to justice worldwide.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit tips online at https://tips.fbi.gov/home. Information can also be provided to Homeland Security Investigations at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or via www.ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-form. Individuals outside the United States may visit their nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
All identities will be kept confidential. Government officials and employees are not eligible for rewards.
