The person at the center of this case
17 Christian missionaries (including 5 children, one 8 months old)
Violent Crime · Open
184 days waiting
LANMO SANJOU
Justice for 17 Christian missionaries (including 5 children, one 8 months old) — the trail went cold in 2026, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
🎯
suspect
Lead #1Where is Lanmo Sanjou currently hiding and what are his specific ties to the Dominican Republic?
🔍
evidence
Lead #2What ransom payments were made and to whom, and how were they facilitated?
💡
clue
Lead #3Given Sanjou's kidney medical issues, what healthcare facilities or contacts might he seek out?
In October 2021, gang leader Lanmo Sanjou allegedly orchestrated the kidnapping of 17 Christian missionaries in Haiti, including five children as young as 8 months old, holding them at gunpoint for 61 days while demanding ransom. Most victims were eventually released, but critical questions remain about the full circumstances of their captivity and the gang's operational network. Sanjou remains at large with suspected ties to the Dominican Republic, and his capture is vital to bringing justice and preventing future hostage-taking operations.
Case
#1038
United States District Court for the District of Columbia; FBI
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
👤
person
Lead #4Who are the other members of gang 400 Mawozo and what roles did they play in the kidnapping?
👁️
witness
Lead #5What information can the released hostages provide about the gang's operations and hideouts?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
Conspiracy to Commit Hostage Taking; Hostage Taking Caution: Lanmo Sanjou, as leader of the gang 400 Mawozo, allegedly participated in the October 2021, kidnapping of 17 Christian Missionaries in Haiti, including five children, one as young as 8 months old. The hostages were allegedly held at gunpoint and most remained captive for 61 days.
The gang demanded ransom payment for each of the victims. Lanmo Sanjou was charged with Conspiracy to Commit Hostage Taking and Hostage Taking by an indictment filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
Remarks: Sanjou has medical issues with his kidneys. He has ties to or may travel to the Dominican Republic.
Timeline of Events
👤
2021-10-01
Kidnapping of 17 missionaries
Lanmo Sanjou and gang 400 Mawozo allegedly kidnapped 17 Christian missionaries in Haiti, including five children, holding them at gunpoint.
🔍
2021-12-31
Hostages released after 61 days
Most of the 17 hostages were released after approximately 61 days of captivity following ransom demands.
Key Locations
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Case Information
Incident:October 1, 2021
Last Updated:September 9, 2026
Up to $1 Reward
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Case Information
Incident:October 1, 2021
Last Updated:September 9, 2026
Up to $1 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case