American YouTuber Kidnapped in Haiti While Atempting Interview of Gang Leader

A popular American YouTuber, Addison Pierre Maalouf, known as YourFellowArab or Arab, has been allegedly kidnapped in Haiti by one of the gangs that have become its de facto rulers. According to the New York Post, the YouTuber had reached the violence hit Haiti to interview the nation’s most notorious gang leader, Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier.

However, after a day of his arrival in Haiti, on March 14, Maalouf and a Haitian colleague were taken as hostage by members of the 400 Mawozo gang.

According to the New York Post, the YouTuber is being held for a $600,000 ransom, and even though $40,000 has already been paid. The kidnappers are continuing to demand a large sum of money to release Maalouf.

Maalouf, with over 1.4 million subscribers on YouTube, is famous for exploring dangerous places that are not part of general tourism.

Maalouf’s fellow YouTuber Lalem confirmed that his friend had been taken hostage. “Tried keeping it private for two weeks, but it’s getting out everywhere now,” Lalem posted on X. “Yes Arab has been kidnapped in Haiti and we’re working on getting him out,” he added.

In a separate post, Lalem also shared the last video Mr Maalouf posted online. The clip showed the YouTuber at a hotel in Haiti.

This is the last video he recorded before he got kidnapped, if you have his number pls don’t text him while he’s in there for safety reasons. 🙏 https://t.co/JJ7y1uVjGA

— Lalem (@Lalem) March 29, 2024