Germine Joly, one of Haiti’s most notorious gang leaders—even while imprisoned—has been convicted for orchestrating the 2021 abduction of 16 U.S. missionaries.
The victims, who were part of Ohio-based Christian Aid Ministries and included a Canadian citizen, were held for two months by the 400 Mawozo gang, which demanded $1 million per hostage. Ultimately, $350,000 was paid, and the release was staged to appear as an escape.
Known as “Yonyon,” Joly denied ties to the gang but was found guilty by a federal jury in Washington, D.C., on one count of conspiracy to commit hostage taking and 16 counts of hostage taking for ransom.
Prosecutors revealed that Joly directed gang operations—including finances and arms supply—from prison using smuggled cell phones. He had previously pleaded guilty to gun trafficking and money laundering related to ransom payments and is already serving a 35-year sentence.
U.S. authorities emphasized their commitment to pursuing justice for crimes against American citizens abroad, regardless of distance or delay.
