By James Racine, O-news, Sept. 9, 2026
The kidnapping of lawyer Caleb Jean-Baptiste has taken a new turn. In a video that has gone viral, the leader of the "400 Mawozo" gang claims responsibility for the lawyer's abduction and makes serious accusations against him.
In this video, widely shared on social media, "Lanmò 100 jou" claims that lawyer Caleb Jean-Baptiste extorted $120,000 from him after convincing him he could help secure the release of Yonyon, former leader of the "400 Mawozo" gang. The gang leader also accuses the lawyer of promising Yonyon's release in exchange for a Taurus pistol, which he claims to have given him.
According to "Lanmò 100 jou," when he subsequently demanded the weapon back, Caleb Jean-Baptiste allegedly explained that it had been handed over to the DCPJ (Central Directorate of the Judicial Police) and that the gang leader had to retrieve it from that institution. He also claims to be involved in the lawyer's kidnapping. These accusations remain to be independently verified.
The kidnapping of lawyer Caleb Jean-Baptiste comes amid a surge in kidnapping cases. In Gros-Morne, the director of the National Office for Partnership in Education (ONAPÉ), Stéphanie Paultre, along with two police officers assigned to her security detail, were also abducted. In Delmas 31, journalist Wesly Renaud Jean was kidnapped on Sunday, September 6. This series of abductions in less than 48 hours reflects the continuing deterioration of the security situation in the country.
These new kidnappings reinforce concerns about the Haitian National Police's ability to contain armed groups. As kidnappers escalate their operations and now target public figures, media professionals, and government officials, the population remains exposed to growing insecurity. For now, authorities have not confirmed the accusations made in the video against lawyer Caleb Jean-Baptiste.
Posted Sept. 21, 2026