Bazile Richardson, a Haitian-born trucking company owner living with his family in North Carolina, was arrested on July 23, 2025, in Houston for conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). He is accused of facilitating money transfers to Jimmy Chérizier, aka "Barbecue" the current leader of "Viv Ansanm" designated as foreign terrorist organization by the United States in May 2025 and subject to U.S. sanctions, aimed at overthrowing the Haitian government, according to the FBI.

According to the indictment (case #4:25-mj-453), Richardson allegedly solicited money from other Haitians in the diaspora in the United States via social media and messaging services and coordinated a network involving contributors in the United States, Haiti, and other countries between December 2020 and January 2025. This network used money transfers and third parties to conceal its operations and circumvent the sanctions imposed by the U.S. Treasury Department against Chérizier. These funds were intended, among other things, to purchase firearms, ammunition, equipment, vehicles, and other barbecue projects.

"Don't say anything about the organization when you send money," he allegedly told people sending funds to Haiti. "They're monitoring everything because of the sanctions."

Prosecutors said they had voice memos and messages from Richardson indicating he was aware of the sanctions. In some messages, Richardson discussed overthrowing the Haitian government, according to the indictment. Richardson allegedly promised to contribute to the financing of all of Cherizier's projects and to help him acquire heavy weapons, according to court records. Richardson, a close friend of Chérizier, was considered a key member of the gang due to his financial contributions.

Should be noted that Richardson had been under investigation since mid-2022, according to court records detailing his communications with Cherizier. An arrest warrant was issued on July 17, and he was arrested on July 23 in Houston. Richardson was remanded in custody following a hearing held on July 29 in Houston. His case was transferred to a federal court in Washington.

This indictment, filed on July 24, 2025, in the District Court for the District of Columbia (case 4:25-mj-453), marks a turning point in the U.S. strategy against Haitian gang financing. If the charges are confirmed, Bazile Richardson could become one of the first members of the Haitian diaspora to be prosecuted for directly financially supporting a gang leader sanctioned by Washington.

SL/ HaitiLibre