US offers $5million reward for arrest of gang leader “Barbecue”

The United States offered a $5 million reward on Tuesday for the arrest of  gang leader Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier for allegedly violating US sanctions.

Cherizier, 48, and another man, Bazile Richardson, have been indicted on charges of conspiring to transfer funds from the United States to fund gang activities in Haiti, the Justice Department said.

“There’s a good reason that there’s a $5 million reward for information leading to Cherizier’s arrest,” US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said at a press conference.

“He’s a gang leader responsible for heinous human rights abuses, including violence against American citizens in Haiti.”

Today’s reward offer complements the Department of Justice’s unsealing of the indictment of Jiimmy 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 appearance in Washington, D.C., today.

Today’s reward offer is authorized by the Secretary under the TOCRP, which supports law enforcement efforts to disrupt transnational crime globally and bring fugitives to justice. 

If you have information, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or online at www.tips.fbi.gov.

Information may also be provided to HSI at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or online at www.ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-form.

If you are located outside of the United States, you may also visit the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  

If you are in the United States, you can also contact the local FBI office in your city.