Washington puts $9 million on the table for information leading to four Haitian gang leaders 

U.S. authorities have recently revived their rewards campaign targeting several figures in the criminal underworld operating in Haiti. Through the Rewards for Justice program, overseen by the United States Department of State, in coordination with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Washington is once again relying on financial incentives to encourage the sharing of information.

According to the information published, the combined rewards can now reach $9 million. An impressive figure that places certain gang leaders among the region’s most highly “valued” fugitives.

On the Americans’ poster are four faces, four bounties, one message: “We are waiting for you. The money is ready.”

Those concerned include: Vitel’homme Innocent: $2 million Jimmy Chérizier, aka “Barbecue”: $5 million Joseph Wilson, aka “Lanmo Sanjou”: $1 million Johnson André, aka “Izo”: $1 million

Underlying it all is a reality: the longer a suspect evades justice, the higher the bounty. A form of “security rating” that rises with the pace of inconclusive investigations. The U.S. Embassy in Tabarre is in the territory of Chen Mechan and Vitelhomme. In an interview given to Reuters, Vitelhomme said he was proud to have the embassy as a neighbor.

The Rewards for Justice program is based on a simple principle: turning ordinary citizens into potential intelligence sources through financial incentives.

U.S. authorities promise: confidentiality of exchanges; protective measures; possible relocation.

Information can be submitted via secure platforms. In theory, everything is in place to reassure informants. In practice, in an environment marked by insecurity, speaking out remains a delicate choice.

Among those sought, Vitel’homme Innocent continues to hold a particular place. He remains on the FBI’s list of actively sought fugitives.