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Three US Citizens Indicted for Involvement in Violent Crisis in Cameroon
An indictment unsealed today in Kansas City, Missouri, charges three US citizens of Cameroonian origin with providing material support to a separatist group in Cameroon.
The defendants, Claude N. Chi, 40, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; Francis Chenyi, 49, of St. Paul, Minnesota; and Lah Nestor Langmi, 46, of Buffalo, New York, held senior level positions within an organization that supported and directed the Ambazonian Restoration Forces and other separatist fighters in Cameroon’s Northwest Region.
The indictment alleges that the defendants solicited and raised funds for equipment, supplies, weapons and explosive materials to be used in attacks against Cameroonian government personnel, security forces and property, along with other civilians believed to be enabling the government.
The funds were raised through online chat applications and payment platforms from individuals located in the United States and abroad, and were then transferred to the separatist fighters to support attacks in Cameroon.
The indictment also alleges that the defendants conspired with others to kidnap civilians in Cameroon and hold them for ransom, with some U.S. citizens being extorted for ransom payments to secure the release of their kidnapped relatives living in Cameroon.
The defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of up to 15 years in prison for the material support charges, up to three years in prison for the receiving money from a ransom demand charge, and up to 20 years in prison for the money laundering conspiracy charge.
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or report a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
The indictment was returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 18, 2022.
Defendant Information:
Claude N. Chi, Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Age: 40, Charges: Conspiracy to provide material support or resources intended to be used to carry out a conspiracy to kill, kidnap and maim persons in a foreign country, Providing material support or resources intended to be used to carry out a conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction outside the United States, Receiving money from a ransom demand, Participating in a money laundering conspiracy.
Francis Chenyi, St. Paul, Minnesota, Age: 49, Charges: Conspiracy to provide material support or resources intended to be used to carry out a conspiracy to kill, kidnap and maim persons in a foreign country, Providing material support or resources intended to be used to carry out a conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction outside the United States, Receiving money from a ransom demand, Participating in a money laundering conspiracy.
Lah Nestor Langmi, Buffalo, New York, Age: 46, Charges: Conspiracy to provide material support or resources intended to be used to carry out a conspiracy to kill, kidnap and maim persons in a foreign country, Providing material support or resources intended to be used to carry out a conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction outside the United States, Receiving money from a ransom demand, Participating in a money laundering conspiracy.
Cash Seized: Over $350,000
Current Status: Charges pending
Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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