The U.S. Department of State announced on August 12, 2025, that it is offering a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Haitian gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, also known as “Barbecue.” The announcement was made by Tammy Bruce, spokesperson for the Department.
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 identified as a key figure responsible for gang violence in Haiti and has been directly linked to mass murder and rape of civilians.
“In December 2020, Cherizier and two Haitian public officials were designated for sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (Global Magnitsky) for their roles in the La Saline massacre and severe human rights abuses in Haiti,” according to the statement.
The Department noted that this reward offer comes alongside the unsealing of an indictment against Cherizier in the District of Columbia. He is charged with conspiracy to violate U.S. sanctions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The statement says that Cherizier had previously avoided sanctions placed on him in 2020 under the Global Magnitsky Act. His co-defendant, Brazile Richardson, appeared in Washington, D.C., on the same day.
“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,” said Bruce.
Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact U.S. authorities through established channels such as www.tips.fbi.gov or www.ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-form. Those 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.