Luckson Elan

Luckson Elan, leader of the Gran Grif gang, has long been involved in activities that threaten the peace, security, and stability of Haiti, as well as the entire region. His gang is the largest and most powerful in the Artibonite Department and has been expanding its territorial control, committing human rights abuses, and trafficking weapons and ammunition.

On February 8, 2023, members of the Coalition of Jean Denis self-defense group intercepted a vehicle coming from Port-au-Prince which was carrying several crates of arms and ammunition destined for the Gran Grif gang (see OHCHR report, “Criminal Violence Extends beyond Port-au-Prince,” Nov 2023).

Under Elan’s leadership, the human rights abuses and other crimes committed by the gang include extrajudicial killings, rape, recruitment of children, robbery, destruction of property, kidnapping, and hijacking of trucks. For example, on November 30, 2023, Luckson Elan killed a woman for refusing to have sexual relations with him. In April 2024, Gran Grif committed attacks on the judiciary by killing two lawyers.

Between October 2023 and January 2024, Gran Grif committed nine mass kidnappings, including 157 people. Gran Grif has also committed some of the highest levels of child recruitment in Haiti.