January 16, 2024

Four Haitian gang leaders added to European sanctions list

On January 12, 2024, the Council of the European Union added four gang leaders to others already subject to restrictive measures under the Haiti sanctions regime, following designation of the gang leaders by the United Nations Security Council on December 8, 2024.  The four — Johnson Andre, Renel Destina, Wilson Joseph, and Vitelhomme Innocent — are leaders of the 5 Segond gang, the Grand Ravine gang, the 400 Mawozo gang, and the Kraze Barye gang, respectively.  According to the Council of Europe, the gangs and their leaders are involved in criminal activities that threaten the peace, security and stability of Haiti, including rape, burglary, despoliation, kidnapping, drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and obstruction of the provision of humanitarian aid.

The four designees are wanted by the Haitian police, and, in addition to their earlier designation by the United Nations, have been sanctioned by the United States and the United Kingdom.

Decision | Implementing Regulation