They held Americans at gunpoint — and vanished into the shadows.

In this episode of Fugitive Files, we investigate a chilling international case involving seven Haitian gang leaders accused of kidnapping U.S. citizens — including 17 Christian missionaries, five of them children, in 2021. The victims were allegedly held captive for 61 days, their lives hanging in the balance as ransom demands were made.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, these leaders are at the center of a brutal network that profits from kidnapping, terror, and fear. The charges stem from a collaborative investigation between the DOJ, FBI, and U.S. Department of State — and the U.S. government has announced a $3 million reward for information leading to the capture of three of the fugitives.

The defendants face charges including:

• Conspiracy to Commit Hostage Taking

• Hostage Taking of U.S. Nationals

• Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence

Some of these men remain on the run. If you have information about their whereabouts, contact your local FBI field office or submit a tip online.

This is Fugitive Files. Let’s get into it.