US offers $1m reward for Haiti gang leader Johnson “Izo” Andre

The US Embassy in Haiti has announced a reward of up to one million dollars (Sh128 million) for information leading to the capture of Johnson “Izo” Andre, identified as the leader of the Haiti-based 5 Segond gang.

The reward is offered through the US Department of State’s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) programme and administered by the Diplomatic Security Service. It also includes the possibility of relocation for anyone who provides actionable intelligence on Andre’s whereabouts.

Authorities are urging anyone with information to report it confidentially via Signal, WhatsApp, or Telegram at +1-202-702-7843. The RFJ programme said all tips will be handled in the strictest confidence to protect informants.

Andre and his gang have been accused of a series of violent crimes, including kidnapping for ransom, which authorities say has caused severe suffering among Haitian families.

“The criminal activities of Johnson ‘Izo’ Andre and his associates are inflicting serious harm on families in Haiti. It is crucial that anyone with information comes forward,” said a spokesperson for the Rewards for Justice programme.

“This is an opportunity to help end these crimes while potentially securing a reward and safe relocation.”

The 5 Segond gang has been linked to multiple kidnappings, extortion schemes and acts of violence in Haiti, worsening the country’s fragile security situation. US authorities say they are coordinating with local law enforcement to track down Andre and dismantle his criminal network.

Individuals with knowledge of Andre’s movements, hideouts or associates have been urged to report details immediately. The RFJ programme said timely and credible information can lead to arrests and help restore safety to affected communities.

The US government said the initiative reflects its commitment to combating transnational crime and supporting stability in Haiti, where gang violence has increasingly disrupted daily life.

“The public’s assistance is essential,” the RFJ statement added.

“Your information could stop further kidnappings and bring perpetrators to justice. Help protect Haitian families and ensure that Johnson ‘Izo’ Andre faces the consequences of his actions.”

The 5 Segond gang is described as one of the most powerful criminal groups operating in Port-au-Prince, particularly in the Village de Dieu neighbourhood.

Under Andre’s leadership, the gang is alleged to have engaged in a range of serious crimes that have contributed to Haiti’s deepening security crisis. These include kidnapping for ransom, murder, rape, extortion, theft, drug and weapons trafficking, and obstruction of humanitarian aid.

The group is known for controlling territory, imposing illegal “taxes” on civilians and vehicles, and using revenue from criminal operations to pay members and purchase arms.

Andre was added to the United Nations Security Council sanctions list in December 2023 following international concern over his alleged role in violence and instability in Haiti. The designation subjects him to travel bans and other restrictions by the UN and partner countries.

The European Union has also sanctioned the gang and its leader, freezing assets and restricting travel within EU territories in response to escalating gang violence and Haiti’s ongoing instability.

The US government has charged Andre over his alleged involvement in the armed kidnapping of a US citizen in Haiti in March 2023. Court documents allege that members of the 5 Segond gang held the victim for ransom, during which time the victim was abused and negotiations were handled by Andre.

The announcement comes as security operations in Haiti are being reinforced by the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission, which is supporting efforts to help the Haitian National Police combat gang violence.

The mission has since transitioned into the Gang Suppression Force (GSF).

Kenya deployed its first contingent of police officers to Haiti in 2024 following a United Nations-backed request for international assistance. The mission’s mandate includes supporting local law enforcement in restoring public order, protecting critical infrastructure and helping reclaim areas under gang control.

Since deployment, Kenyan officers have conducted joint patrols, secured key installations and assisted in operations targeting criminal networks in gang-dominated neighbourhoods of the capital.

Apart from Andre, Jimmy Chérizier, also known as “Barbecue”, has also been sanctioned. He is identified as one of the most influential gang leaders in Haiti and is a former police officer who became the leader of the G9 Family and Allies, a gang federation that controls large parts of Port-au-Prince.