Haitian Gang Leader Found Guilty in US‌ Kidnapping case

WASHINGTON (AP) — Joly Germine, also known as “Yonyon,” a leader ‍of the Haitian gang 400 Mawozo,⁢ was convicted ​in a U.S. court for his role in the ⁣kidnapping⁢ of ​16 Americans, including five⁣ children, in Haiti in October 2021.

A federal jury in the District of Columbia delivered​ the verdict, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice ⁤reported by the Haitian newspaper le Nouvelliste.

Germine, 32, directed the gang’s operations from a Haitian prison ‍using cell phones. He was found guilty of conspiracy to commit hostage-taking and 16 ‌counts of kidnapping for ransom.

Federal authorities stated that Germine demanded $1 million per⁣ hostage and conditioned their release on his own release from prison.

The 2021 Kidnapping

The kidnapping occurred on Oct. ⁢16,2021,when 17 missionaries affiliated with Christian Aid Ministries,based in Ohio,were abducted while returning from a visit to an orphanage.

The group,which ⁤included 16 Americans ​and one Canadian,was intercepted by armed men and ⁢held captive in a rural area for 62 days under harsh conditions.

During their captivity, two ​hostages were released for medical reasons, ​and three ‌others were freed after a reported ransom payment of ‍$350,000. The remaining hostages escaped at night‍ and made their‍ way⁤ through the jungle until they were rescued by the FBI.

Authorities‌ said Germine orchestrated the kidnapping, resolute detention locations, ‍managed the ⁢gang’s finances, coordinated weapons supply, and oversaw decisions regarding releases.

Germine had previously ⁤been ‌sentenced to 35 years in prison in 2024 for illegal arms trafficking and money laundering related to ransom payments.

400 Mawozo: ​A Notorious Gang

The 400 ⁣Mawozo gang, considered one of Haiti’s most violent, operates in ​Croix-des-Bouquets, east of ‍Port-au-Prince. The U.S. designated the “Viv Ansanm” coalition, which includes ⁢400 Mawozo, as a terrorist organization on May 2.

In march, Haitian authorities ​apprehended several arms traffickers in ⁣Belladère, Germine’s hometown near the Dominican Republic border. The operation⁢ revealed the network’s connection to supplying ammunition to 400 Mawozo and other armed gangs.

“The leader of ⁤the Haitian ‍gang and kidnapper convict, Joly Germine, learned that‍ he was not beyond the reach of the FBI,” said FBI Special ​Agent Ryan James. “Neither ⁣time nor the distance will weaken our determination.”

• The FBI’s Miami office investigated the case with assistance ‍from U.S. agencies, Haitian authorities, and Dominican Republic officials. Federal prosecutors Karen Seifert and⁣ Tom Saunders were among those who presented ⁢the case.

Le Nouvelliste contributed to​ this report.