ALBAWABA - Renowned American YouTuber Addison Pierre Maalouf, who has Lebanese ancestry, is said to have been kidnapped by a criminal group in Haiti. The incident happened after Maalouf attempted to interview "Barbecue," the infamous gang boss.
Joseph Wilson's group, "Mawozo 400," is the one carrying out the kidnapping, according to sources from the "Haiti 24" television station.
Maalouf, also known online as "YourFellowArab," had left his Atlanta home to attempt an interview with Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherizard, the notorious "G9 and Family" gang leader.
Within twenty-four hours of Maalouf's arrival in the United States, his mission took a dangerous turn, according to reporting from the New York Post. He was taken hostage on March 14th, together with his colleague from Haiti, by members of the "Mawozo 400" gang.
The head of this criminal group, known as "King Ben Anmo San Jou," is prominently listed as one of the FBI's most-wanted individuals.
According to those with knowledge of the situation, Maalouf, who is Lebanese by origin, is being held prisoner and facing a substantial $600,000 ransom demand.
A spokesman for the Bureau of Consular Affairs of the U.S. Department of State responded to the upsetting circumstances by underscoring how critical it is to protect American nationals traveling overseas.
Given the elevated hazards, the spokesperson advised American citizens to proceed with caution and avoid visiting Haiti.
Maalouf's reputation is derived from his investigative work, in which he explores the global operations of criminal organizations and gangs. His kidnapping has caused worldwide alarm and appeals for action to ensure his safe return; he has over 1.5 million subscribers on his YouTube channel.
