A federal jury has convicted Khaled Abughanem, 52, and Adham Abughanem, 28, both of Lackawanna, New York, on charges of conspiracy to kidnap a person in a foreign country and kidnapping conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross. The convictions carry a maximum penalty of life in prison.
In addition, Khaled Abughanem was found guilty of threatening to retaliate against the victim, his own daughter.
The prosecution revealed that on September 8, 2021, Khaled and Adham flew from Buffalo, NY, to Guadalajara, Mexico, to abduct Khaled’s daughter, who is also Adham’s sister (referred to as Victim 1). Between September 10, 2021, and April 6, 2023, the father-son duo transported Victim 1 from New York to Cairo, Egypt, and ultimately to Sanaa, Yemen, where she was confined for 16 months.
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During this period, Victim 1 was physically assaulted, denied freedom of movement and communication, and subjected to an attempted forced marriage to a man she did not choose.
On March 14, 2023, Khaled threatened to “slaughter” Victim 1 in retaliation for providing information to law enforcement about the crimes committed against her.
“This verdict brings to an end a harrowing ordeal for the victim, who showed immense courage in standing up to her captors,” said U.S. Attorney Ross. “Her bravery, coupled with the dedication of our investigators and prosecutors, ensures these defendants are held accountable for their heinous acts.”
FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia highlighted the collaborative efforts that led to the conviction. “The FBI prioritizes the protection of civil rights and safety of American citizens. Today’s verdict is a testament to the strong investigative work of the FBI, Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service.”
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Greg Anderson, Director of Protective Intelligence Investigations for the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), commended the victim’s resilience and the partnerships that brought the case to justice. “The DSS remains committed to ensuring perpetrators of heinous acts face justice in the United States.”
The case was investigated by the FBI Buffalo Field Office, Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, and the Lackawanna Police Department.
The trial was presided over by Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr., who has scheduled sentencing for June 17, 2025.
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