Haitian police arrest former legislator accused of arming gangs to influence elections

Haitian police have arrested a former lawmaker who has long been accused of arming gangs in the country’s central region and was previously sanctioned by the United States and Canada.

Prophane Victor, a former member of Parliament who represented the Petite Riviere community in the Artibonite region, was arrested Sunday in the capital, Port-au-Prince, according to the Haitian National Police.

At this time it is unknown if Victor has a lawyer.

His arrest represents a rare triumph for Haitian police in a country where high-ranking politicians accused of murders and gang activity often act with impunity and move freely around the country.

Police said in a statement that a former gang leader had accused Victor several times of colluding with gang members operating in Artibonite, especially in the Savien community.

A UN report published last year noted that Victor began arming youths in Petite Riviere to ensure his electoral victory in 2016. Over time, these men formed Gran Grif, the largest gang in Artibonite.

The report noted that Victor had a disagreement with Gran Grif in 2020 “as a result of broken promises made during the election period.” Since then, its leaders have accused Victor of supporting rival gangs.

Canada sanctioned Victor in June 2023, as did the United States in September 2024, accusing him of supporting gangs “that have committed serious human rights violations.”

In October, the Gran Grif gang was accused of killing dozens of people in one of the largest massacres in Haiti’s recent history. The massacre occurred in the community of Pont-Sonde, located in the Artibonite region.

Connect with the Voice of America! Subscribe to our channels YouTube, WhatsApp and to newsletter. Turn on notifications and follow us on Facebook, x and instagram.