Police target 16 ‘dangerous’ high profile figures with gang ties, including ex-lawmakers accused of destabilizing regions of Haiti

PORT-AU-PRINCE — Haiti’s Central Directorate of the Judicial Police (DCPJ) has issued 16 search warrants, including for former senator Nenel Cassy of Fanmi Lavalas and former deputy Alfredo Antoine of Konvansyon Inite Demokratik (KID). A spokesperson for the Haitian National Police (PNH), Lionel Lazarre, stated on Tuesday, Feb. 18, that these individuals played key roles in recent gang attacks, including those in Kenscoff, a hilly commune about 15 miles southeast of Port-au-Prince.

Both Cassy and Antoine are accused of aiding gangs and obstructing law enforcement efforts. They are being charged with conspiracy against state security, financing criminal organizations, complicity in murder, and association with armed groups.

“What’s happening isn’t due to police incapability, but rather the situation’s complexity,” said Lazarre at a press briefing. “There is complicity from a group of people—within the police, among former parliamentarians, political organizations and ex-ministers—who sabotage security efforts.”

The warrants follow several recent arrests, including that of Loubens “Tilawòch” Roland, who reportedly facilitated gang movements in Kenscoff. He was responsible for greasing the roads, making it difficult to access areas controlled by the gangs, according to the PNH. Since Jan. 27, the town has been under attack from gangs based in the Carrefour, Gran Ravin and Village de Dieu areas.

DCPJ investigators say evidence links the 16 wanted individuals, including Cassy and Antoine, to the destabilization of Kenscoff and other areas in the metropolitan region. The DCPJ calls on the population to help track down these allegedly very dangerous individuals.  

“We urge the public to help locate these dangerous individuals,” the PNH spokesperson implored.

Longstanding allegations against the ex-lawmakers

Cassy has long been suspected of involvement in gang activities, arms trafficking and illicit financing. In December 2023, the U.S. sanctioned him alongside former Prime Minister Iean-Max Bellerive and ex-Senator Hervé Fourcand, citing their involvement in corruption and security threats. Before the U.S., Canada also sanctioned Cassy and businessman Steeve Khawly in March 2023, freezing their assets and barring them from entry.

Antoine has a history of legal troubles. In 2015, he was briefly detained for forgery while campaigning for office. In November 2023, Haiti’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC) recommended legal action against him for corruption and money laundering.

Following Tuesday’s arrest warrant, Antoine took to Facebook to deny any gang affiliations.

“On my way to the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police,” Antoine posted, suggesting he might turn himself in.

“I am an authentic citizen and have no ties with armed bandits. If the police try to make me look like an accomplice by reporting criminals, they should know that I have been a fighter all my life,” he wrote.

Contrary to his announcement, the former lawmaker did not set foot in the DCPJ following the search warrant launched against him. 

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