December 23, 2024
The U.S. government has intensified its efforts to combat crime in Haiti by announcing a $2 million reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of Vitelhomme Innocent, the leader of the “Kraze Baryè” gang. This announcement was made by Brian A. Nichols, Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs, on his X account on October 3, 2024.
Nichols expressed the U.S. commitment to supporting the Haitian people, who are enduring increasingly dire humanitarian and security conditions due to the criminal activities of gangs like the one led by Innocent.
Vitelhomme Innocent has become a central figure in the violence and insecurity plaguing Haiti. His gang has been accused of orchestrating numerous violent acts, including the kidnapping of missionaries and the abduction of American citizens. In October 2022, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves filed an indictment revealing Innocent’s alleged involvement in the kidnapping of an American couple, which resulted in the death of the woman, Marie Odette Franklin. This tragic incident garnered international attention and initially led to a $1 million reward for information leading to his arrest.
Innocent’s crimes are not limited to these events. In January 2023, he was involved in the murder of four police officers in Pétion-Ville. Furthermore, his gang has collaborated with other criminal organizations, including the notorious 400 Mawozo gang, with which he formed an alliance in July 2021. This coalition of gangs, known as Viv Ansanm, has worsened the security crisis across the country, making daily life for Haitians increasingly dangerous.
In November 2023, the FBI added Vitelhomme Innocent to its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, highlighting the severity of his crimes. By increasing the reward for his capture, the United States aims to further pressure this gang leader and restore some semblance of security in Haiti, a country that has long suffered under the weight of violence and impunity. Through its actions, the U.S. government continues to demonstrate its concern for the crisis in Haiti and remains committed to supporting local authorities in their fight against organized crime.