Jimmy Chérizier, the infamous Haitian gang chief referred to as “Barbecue,” has signaled his willingness to cooperate with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), regardless of being designated a international terrorist by American authorities in Could.
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Chérizier heads the prison group Viv Ansanm and is accused of a number of murders, kidnappings, and violent assaults in Haiti. He additionally appeared in a US Division of Justice indictment alongside Bazile Richardson, a 48-year-old naturalised US citizen, claiming the pair solicited funds from the Haitian diaspora in the US to help gang operations and buy firearms, in violation of US sanctions. The US authorities has supplied a $5 million reward for data resulting in Chérizier’s arrest.
In a brief video message launched not too long ago, Chérizier spoke in English, insisting Richardson, also called “Fredo,” is harmless. “My identify is Jimmy Cherizier Barbecue. If the FBI desires me, I’m right here. I’m keen to collaborate with them on one situation. There could be no lies informed. Basil Richardson, aka Fredo, is harmless. He has by no means despatched any cash to me to finance something in Haiti. Cease with all these lies and we are able to collaborate. Thanks,” he mentioned.
Richardson was arrested in Texas earlier this yr. Prosecutors allege he helped increase funds that have been funneled to gang leaders and used to purchase weapons. Assistant US Legal professional Basic John Eisenberg mentioned each males helped “bankroll Cherizier’s violent prison enterprise, which is driving a safety disaster in Haiti.”
Chérizier can also be suspected of taking part in a central position within the 2018 La Saline bloodbath, throughout which 71 folks have been killed, greater than 400 houses destroyed, and no less than seven girls have been raped.
