OVERVIEW

Gran Grif is a violent gang that plays a major role in exacerbating the widespread instability across central Haiti. It was an original member of the G-Pep Alliance under the Viv Ansanm gang coalition and joined the alliance to expand its territorial control, particularly over major routes and areas with critical infrastructure and key resources. Gran Grif became widely known in 2023 after the UN accused it of human rights abuses. Violence by Gran Grif has played a significant role in Haiti’s current gang crisis, which has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced at least 1.4 million people since 2022.

OPERATING AREAS
Primarily in Haiti’s Artibonite and Centre departments

MEMBERS
At least 100 members

TACTICS AND TARGETS
Gran Grif conducts armed attacks, assassinations, massacres, lootings, kidnappings, and arson. Most of its revenue comes from systematic extortion and kidnappings for ransom. Gran Grif maintains its personnel strength through forced recruitment, particularly of minors.

TERRORIST GROUP DESIGNATION
The US State Department designated Gran Grif as a foreign terrorist organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist entity in May 2025.

KEY LEADERS

NOTABLE ATTACKS