Buffalo, NY – A Federal Investigation Leads to Conviction
A Lackawanna, New York man has been sentenced to 36 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to kidnap and forcibly marry his sister in Yemen, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo of the Western District of New York.
Waleed Abughanem, 33, was convicted of misprision of felony and sentenced by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. His conviction stems from his involvement in a plot orchestrated by his father, Khaled Abughanem, and brother, Adham Abughanem, to abduct and transport Victim 1, his sister, against her will.
A Coordinated Abduction Across Multiple Countries
The case dates back to September 8, 2021, when Khaled and Adham Abughanem traveled from Buffalo, NY, to Guadalajara, Mexico to carry out the kidnapping of Victim 1. Over the next 16 months, the conspirators moved her from the Western District of New York to Cairo, Egypt, and ultimately to Sanaa, Yemen, where she was held involuntarily with the intention of marrying her to a man against her will.
During this period, Waleed Abughanem was aware of his sister’s captivity. At times, he was physically present in Yemen, overseeing her confinement. When he was not in Yemen, he instructed his wife to monitor and supervise Victim 1.
In December 2022, Waleed returned to the United States, where he was questioned by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regarding the whereabouts of his siblings. He falsely stated that Victim 1 was in the U.S., concealing the fact that she was still being held in Yemen. This deception further delayed her rescue and prolonged her captivity.
Legal Consequences and Ongoing Sentencing
Khaled and Adham Abughanem were previously convicted following a federal jury trial and are awaiting sentencing. Their convictions were the result of an extensive investigation led by:
- The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia
- The U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, directed by Diplomatic Security Director Carlos Matus and Deputy Assistant Secretary Paul Houston
- The Lackawanna Police Department, led by Chief Mark Packard
- Customs and Border Protection (CBP), under Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy, with additional assistance from CBP in Boston, Massachusetts
Conclusion
This case highlights the critical role of federal and international cooperation in combatting forced marriages and human trafficking. The sentencing of Waleed Abughanem marks an important step in ensuring justice for the victim and accountability for those involved. Authorities continue to stress the importance of vigilance, legal intervention, and global collaboration in preventing such crimes.
