American YouTuber was kidnapped in Haiti and went to interview the person in charge of “BBQ”

American YouTuber Addison Pierre Maalouf, known for his adventurous travel videos on his channel YourFellowArab, was kidnapped in the Caribbean country of Haiti but paid $50,000 to a Haitian gang leader Released after ransom.

However, he remains trapped in the country.

Malouf went to Haiti for an interview in March Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier, leader of the notorious “G9 and Family” gangs Now the most powerful man in Haiti.

On March 14, Malouf and his Haitian fixer, Jean Sacra Sean Roubens, were kidnapped and held for 17 days.

Despite warnings from the U.S. State Department against traveling to Haiti, he traveled to the violence-plagued country.

March 12, Prime Minister Ariel Henry resigns while stranded abroad.

Malouf explained that the kidnapping was planned by corrupt police officers who allowed 400 Mawozo gang to kidnap them.

He said: “We had confirmed interviews for the barbecue…until a group of corrupt security agents framed us…to kidnap us. “I came to Haiti because I wanted to do something for those who… Give voice to those leading the rebellion against the corrupt government. ”

Barbeque faces U.S. and United Nations sanctions over alleged human rights violations.

During the kidnapping, Malouf claimed that his belongings were confiscated, including his camera memory card.

A video circulating on social media raised doubts about the authenticity of his kidnapping, but Malouf clarified, “There were 10 men with guns behind the video… but I was still kidnapped.”

After his release, Malouf ran into another problem, getting into a dispute with a rental car company that caused him to miss his flight.

According to Voice of America, he remains in the Haitian police department.

Haiti has struggled with security issues since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021.

Gangs control much of the country, including much of the capital. The recent resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry paved the way for a transitional body to lead and organize national elections.

A United Nations report shows that more than 53,000 people have fled the Haitian capital in less than three weeks due to escalating gang violence.