Haitian Gang That Kidnaped Missionaries Wants $17 Million Ransom

The kidnappers have demanded one million per person.

The gang that kidnapped 17 American and Canadian missionaries is asking for a 17 million dollar ransom. Over the weekend 16 American citizens and one Canadian were taken by the “400 Mawozo” gang on Saturday after visiting an orphanage in a northeast suburb of Port-au-Prince. Haitian Justice Minister Liszt Quitel says the kidnappers have demanded one million per person before they will agree to their release. The minister also said they’re being held in a location outside the suburb. All 17 missionaries, five men, seven women and five children are affiliated with the Ohio-based Christian Aid Ministries. The kidnappers first contacted Christian Aid Ministries’ staff in Haiti on Saturday afternoon, stating their ransom demands at the time of the call. Both Haitian police negotiators and the FBI are advising the missionary group on how to proceed and say negotiations are ongoing. FBI agents are currently on the ground in Haiti assisting with the investigation but are not leading negotiations. They also haven’t spoken directly with any of the gang members. A state department spokesperson said “the welfare and safety of us citizens abroad is one of the highest priorities of the department of state.”