Joly Germine, the self-proclaimed ‘King’ of the Haitian gang 400 Mawozo, has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for his involvement in a gunrunning conspiracy and money laundering. The gang’s activities were halted when Germine was apprehended.
The U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland announced the sentence, emphasizing that violent gang leaders will face the full force of the Justice Department. Germine was charged with violating U.S. export control laws and smuggling firearms to Haiti, including AK-47s and AR-15s.
Eliande Tunis, who described herself as Germine’s ‘wife’ and was known as the ‘Queen’ of 400 Mawozo, received a 150-month sentence for her role in the conspiracy. Tunis also pleaded guilty to the same charges as Germine.
The firearms were purchased using funds laundered from ransom proceeds of U.S. hostages held in Haiti in 2021. The FBI Miami Field Office played a crucial role in disrupting the gang’s activities, according to Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri.
Germine pleaded guilty on January 31, 2024, to a 48-count indictment that included charges of conspiring to violate U.S. export control laws and defraud the United States. Tunis and two other co-defendants were also sentenced for their roles in the gun-smuggling and money laundering scheme.
This case sends a clear message that those involved in violent gang activities, especially those that target American citizens, will face severe punishment.
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Key Facts
- State: Washington DC
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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