The incident took place over the weekend, while the main official of the agency in the North department was in Torcel, an area under the influence of the Kraze Baryè gang, led by Vitelhomme Innocent.

According to local media reports, the perpetrators contacted the family members and demanded a ransom of one million dollars for their release.

In the same area where the official was kidnapped, the residences of two former senators were attacked earlier this month, in addition to the kidnapping of a well-known journalist.

Innocent has gained influence in recent months to control regions in the north of Port-au-Prince and since February the police have been offering a reward of 10 million gourdes (just over 72,400 dollars) for anyone offering information leading to his capture.

Haitian gangs control more than 80% of the capital and its surroundings, with an increase in kidnappings and murders, according to a United Nations report.

The recent Operation Bwa Kale, launched by residents to curb the advance of gangs, led to a reduction in kidnappings and homicides, but insecurity remains one of the government’s main challenges.

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