Haitian Security Chief Kidnapped Amid Rising Gang Violence

• •James Boyard, a top Haitian security official, was kidnapped along with his family.
• •The Ti Bwa gang is believed responsible, and a ransom demand has been made.
• •Kidnappings in Haiti have surged, with over 1,200 cases reported in 2025.

James Boyard, a high-ranking Haitian security official, was kidnapped on June 13, 2026, in Port-au-Prince along with his wife and daughter. The abduction occurred in Bourdon, a district previously considered safe, highlighting the increasing reach of gangs in the area. The Ti Bwa gang, led by Christ-Roi Chéry, is believed to be responsible for the kidnapping, and a ransom demand has been reported. Boyard, who is also a police inspector general and professor, was involved in national security reforms. This incident reflects a broader trend of escalating violence and kidnappings in Haiti, where over 1,200 cases were reported in 2025. The situation poses significant risks to public figures and foreign nationals, as gangs increasingly target individuals for ransom. The Haitian police are investigating the kidnapping, but details remain scarce.