Haiti and Dominican Republic face rising kidnapping incidents

kidnapping surge Haiti gang violence Dominican Republic Army arrest extortion human rights

Haiti is experiencing a significant surge in kidnappings, particularly targeting high-profile individuals. According to United Nations statistics, at least 81 people were reported kidnapped between April and June, representing a 42% increase compared to the first quarter of the year. Notable victims include James Boyard, the inspector general of the police and chief of staff to the Ministry of Defense, as well as lawyer Caleb Jean-Baptiste and ONAPE director Stéphanie Paultre.

In the Dominican Republic, authorities in Santo Domingo Este arrested a corporal from the Dominican Republic Army, Sammy Alexis Fernández Sánchez, and a civilian, Marcos Eudigel Martínez Díaz, for the alleged kidnapping of Haitian nationals. The suspects reportedly used military uniforms to intercept victims and demand ransom from their families. During the operation in the La Caleta sector, police rescued four Haitian citizens who had been held in an abandoned residence.