A Maryland man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly conspiring to support armed separatist groups in Cameroon. Eric Tano Tataw, 38, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, known as “the Garri Master,” faces charges for providing material support and making threatening communications to harm Cameroonian civilians.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, Kelly O. Hayes, announced the indictment alongside officials from the Justice Department’s Criminal and National Security Divisions and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Maryland.
Court documents reveal that armed groups in Cameroon’s Northwest and Southwest regions, seeking to form a new country called “Ambazonia,” have targeted the civilian population in efforts to pressure the Cameroonian government into allowing these regions to secede. These groups, known as “Amba Boys,” aim to intimidate civilians and authorities alike.
“Tataw and his co-conspirators masterminded and financially supported a vicious scheme to overthrow a foreign government. They resorted to an unthinkable level of violence while instilling fear in innocent victims to advance their political agenda,” stated U.S. Attorney Hayes.
Galeotti emphasized that the Justice Department remains committed to holding accountable those who direct political violence from the United States. Bai stated that the Department will not tolerate activities supporting such violence.
The indictment details that Tataw conspired to provide financial and logistical support to the Amba Boys, advocated violence against civilians, and utilized social media to promote these acts. The horrific acts included severing limbs, which Tataw referred to using the terms “small Garri” for fingers and “large Garri” for larger amputations or killings.
Tataw allegedly encouraged attacks on government collaborators, including municipal officials and employees of the Cameroon Development Corporation. His efforts included raising over $110,000 to supply separatists with firearms and other resources.
If convicted, Tataw faces up to 15 years in prison for material support and five years per count of threatening communications.
The ongoing investigation has involved multiple agencies and is prosecuted by officials from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.
The Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office directs the public to resources on their website, and urges reporting of hate crimes through the FBI Baltimore field office or their online tip portal.