Haiti Gang Leader Barbecue Responds to Trump’s Arrest Plan
One of Haiti’s most feared gang bosses, Jimmy Cherizier, better known as Barbecue, has announced he is willing to work with the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). His statement comes after reports that former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration planned his arrest.
According to the Jamaica Observer, Barbecue, who leads the notorious Viv Ansanm gang, said he is open to cooperating with U.S. investigators—but only if specific conditions are met.
The gang leader insisted that the FBI must present clear and truthful evidence connecting him or his associates to the ongoing violence in Haiti.
In a short video shared with Caribbean media outlets, Barbecue strongly denied claims that Basil Richardson, a 48-year-old American citizen, financed his gang activities.
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He defended Richardson, saying:
“My name is Jimmy Cherizier, also known as Barbecue. If the FBI wants me, I’m here. I will collaborate with them, but only if no lies are told. Basil Richardson, also known as Fredo, is innocent. He has never sent me money or funded any violence in Haiti. Stop spreading lies, and we can work together. Thank you.”
Barbecue’s willingness to cooperate could mark a turning point for the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, which has been under heavy criticism over its effectiveness in restoring peace. If Barbecue is arrested or surrenders, it would deal a serious blow to the Viv Ansanm gang and strengthen anti-gang operations in Haiti.
This statement comes just a week after U.S. federal prosecutors filed charges against Barbecue, accusing him of raising money from the Haitian diaspora to buy illegal firearms and fuel violence in the Caribbean nation.
To speed up his capture, the U.S. government has offered a reward of up to Ksh647 million ($5 million) for information leading to Barbecue’s arrest.
Haiti Gang Leader Barbecue Responds to Trump’s Arrest Plan
