Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal jury has convicted 52-year-old Khaled Abughanem and his 28-year-old son Adham, both from Lackawanna, of conspiracy to kidnap a person in a foreign country and kidnapping conspiracy.
Ross says Khaled and Adham kidnapped the family member, a U.S. citizen, from Mexico to the U.S.. She was then tricked into traveling to Yemen for a forced marriage.
"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" stated U.S. Attorney 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."
With the help of Unchained at last, a non-profit that helps women escape arranged/forced marriages, the victim was able to return to the U.S. back in 2023.
"Unchained at last, as well as other individuals, managed to smuggle a cell phone to her in Yemen, and using that cell phone, the victim was able to communicate with Agent Sussman and tell him what had happened to her over the last year or so," stated Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Kruly. "From that, we were able to begin our investigation and ultimately prosecute and try this case."
Sentencing is scheduled for June 17, 2025, before Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr., who presided over the trial of the case.
