FEDERAL JURY CONVICTS FATHER AND SON IN KIDNAPPING CONSPIRACIES ATTEMPTING TO FORCE THEIR DAUGHTER/SISTER TO MARRY IN YEMEN

U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced that a federal jury has convicted Khaled Abughanem, 52, and Adham Abughanem, 28, both of Lackawanna, NY, on charges of conspiracy to kidnap a person in a foreign country and kidnapping conspiracy. These offenses carry a maximum penalty of life in prison. Additionally, Khaled Abughanem was convicted of threatening to retaliate against a victim.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles M. Kruly and Maeve E. Huggins, who prosecuted the case, stated that on September 8, 2021, the defendants traveled from Buffalo, NY, to Guadalajara, Mexico, with the intent to kidnap Victim 1—Khaled’s daughter and Adham’s sister. Between September 10, 2021, and April 6, 2023, the Abughanems conspired to transport Victim 1 from the Western District of New York to Cairo, Egypt, and then to Sanaa, Yemen. There, Victim 1 was held for approximately 16 months, during which the defendants attempted to force her into marriage with a man of their choosing.

On March 14, 2023, Khaled Abughanem also threatened to "slaughter" Victim 1 in retaliation for her cooperation with law enforcement, specifically for providing information regarding the commission of a federal offense.

U.S. Attorney Ross stated, "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. These defendants are being held accountable because of the courage of the victim and the unwavering dedication of the investigators and prosecutors on this case."

Matthew Miraglia, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI’s Buffalo Field Office, added, "The FBI prioritizes the protection of civil rights and the 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 FBI values all our partnerships with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, which are paramount."

Greg Anderson, Director of the Diplomatic Security Service’s (DSS) Protective Intelligence Investigations, expressed, "The Diplomatic Security Service would like to recognize the unshakable courage of the victim in this case, as well as the close collaboration between DSS, the Western District of New York U.S. Attorney's Office, the FBI, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Lackawanna Police Department. The Diplomatic Security Service has the largest global presence of any U.S. law enforcement agency and remains committed to ensuring individuals like Adham and Khaled Abughanem who commit heinous criminal acts face justice in the United States."

The conviction follows a detailed investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, under the direction of Director Greg Anderson.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 17, 2025, before Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr., who presided over the trial.