Haitian police arrest former deputy Profane Victor for alleged ties to criminal gangs

Haiti.- Haitian police have arrested Profane Victor, a former deputy for Petite-Rivière de l’Artibonito, on charges of collaborating with criminal gangs. The United Nations, Canada, and the United States have accused Victor of involvement with the Gran Grif gang, which was linked to the Pont-Sondé massacre. In response to these accusations, President Luis Abinader banned Victor from entering the Dominican Republic in April 2023.

Victor was arrested at his residence in Vivy Mitchell, Port-au-Prince, under the supervision of police director Rameau Normil. Authorities also conducted a search of his home. The UN has labeled Victor as a threat to Haiti’s peace and security, accusing him of arming youth to form the Gran Grif gang to strengthen his political position in 2016. Additionally, the UN claims Victor used his influence in the customs system to enrich himself and evade accountability. He is currently being questioned by the Haitian Judicial Police’s Central Directorate.