A federal jury has convicted Khaled Abughanem, 52, and his son, Adham Abughanem, 28, both of Lackawanna, on charges of conspiracy to kidnap a person in a foreign country and kidnapping conspiracy, which each carry a maximum penalty of life in prison. Khaled Abughanem was also found guilty of threatening to retaliate against the victim.
Prosecutors said that on September 8, 2021, the Abughanems flew from Buffalo to Guadalajara, Mexico, to kidnap Khaled’s daughter and Adham’s sister, referred to in court as Victim 1. The two men then conspired to transport her to Cairo, Egypt, and later to Sanaa, Yemen, where she was held against her will for approximately 16 months. Their intention was to force her into a marriage with a man not of her choosing.
On March 14, 2023, Khaled Abughanem escalated the abuse by threatening to “slaughter” his daughter after she provided information to law enforcement about the federal crimes committed against her.
“This verdict brings to an end a difficult time for the victim, who was twice kidnapped by family members, taken to Yemen against her will, held for more than a year, denied freedom of movement and communication, physically assaulted, and had her life threatened,” said U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross. “These defendants are being held accountable because of the courage of this victim and the unwavering dedication of the investigators and prosecutors on this case.”
FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia emphasized the importance of partnerships in securing justice. “The FBI prioritizes the protection of civil rights and safety of American citizens. Today’s verdict is a direct result of the strong investigative work conducted by the FBI, Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service.”
The case was investigated by the FBI under Miraglia’s direction, the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service led by Protective Intelligence Investigations Director Greg Anderson, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Sentencing for Khaled and Adham Abughanem is scheduled for June 17, 2025, before Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr., who presided over the trial.
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