The person was abducted on May 30 near the capital of the republic, the city of Port-au-Prince. He was on his way to the Dominican Republic to spend time with his family.

Authorities say the 400 Mawozo, a local gang that kidnapped 17 American missionaries last year and demanded a $1 million ransom, was involved in the crime.

According to an intelligence source, this time the criminals demanded $500,000 for the release of the diplomat.