The Department of Justice Wednesday charged Joly Germine for participating in a criminal conspiracy to violate U.S. export laws by smuggling firearms and munitions to Haiti. Germine, also known as “Yonyon,” is a 29-year-old Haitian national and is also believed to be the leader of the notorious 400 Mawozo gang. Three other people were charged: Eliande Tunis, a U.S. citizen of Pompana Beach, Florida; Jocelyn Dor, a Haitian citizen who lives in Orlando, Florida; and Walder St. Louis, a Haitian citizen who resides in Miami.

The Haitian national police announced Tuesday that Germine was flown by federal agents from Port-au-Prince to the United States after a request from U.S. authorities. Before his transfer, Germine was held at the National Penitentiary in Port-au-Prince. Although incarcerated since 2018, he was still able to run 400 Mawozo and negotiate the release of hostages. 400 Mawozo abducted 17 American and Canadian missionaries working with Christian Aid Ministries on October 16. The kidnapping is still under investigation, and no charges have been filed.

The indictment alleges that from September through November, 2021, Germine, Tunis, Dor and St. Louis conspired to acquire and supply firearms to 400 Mawozo. Germine specified what he needed, and Tunis, Dor and St. Louis allegedly purchased firearms and ammunition from gun stores in Florida while falsely stating they were the “actual buyers” of the firearms. Those firearms and ammunition were smuggled to Haiti via shipping containers.

Tunis, Dor, and St. Louis were apprehended in Florida in October and November, 2021. They pleaded not guilty and are being detained pending trial. Germine appeared before Magistrate Judge Robin M. Meriweather Wednesday and was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.