Posted on 02/22/2011 7:33:13 AM PST by Allthegoodusernamesaregone
WASHINGTON, Feb. 22, 2011 – Somali pirates killed all four Americans they had held hostage aboard a sailing vessel in the Indian Ocean this morning, U.S. Central Command officials announced.
U.S. officials were negotiating with the pirates for the safe return of the captured Americans when the murders took place, officials said.
Centcom officials said that in the midst of negotiations, U.S. forces responded to gunfire aboard the S/V Quest. When the forces reached the boat, officials said, they discovered all four hostages had been shot by their captors. Despite immediate steps to provide life-saving care, all four hostages ultimately died of their wounds.
During the boarding, the Somali pirates fired on the U.S. forces, who killed two pirates and captured 13 others. U.S. forces already had captured two other pirates, and the servicemembers boarding the Quest found the remains of two other pirates.
“In total, it is believed 19 pirates were involved in the hijacking of the S/V Quest,” Centcom officials said.
“We express our deepest condolences for the innocent lives callously lost aboard the Quest,” said Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis, Centcom’s commander.
The pirates seized the boat Feb. 18 off the coast of Oman. Somali pirates -– often operating from mother ships far out to sea -- have captured scores of ships and generally have held the ships and crews for ransom. News reports indicate Somali pirates currently hold 29 ships with more than 660 hostages.
Piracy in the region occurred originally off of Somalia’s east coast for several years. In August 2009, the pirates extended their attacks to the Gulf of Aden, between Yemen and Somalia’s north coast. The pirates since have ranged farther out to sea -– up to 600 miles –- and now affect more than a million square miles in the Gulf of Aden, the west Indian Ocean and the Red Sea.
The United States has worked closely with regional and international partners to attack the problem. In this case, American forces closely monitored and tailed the Quest. Four U.S. Navy warships made up a response force dedicated to recovering the S/V Quest: the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf, the guided-missile destroyers USS Sterett and USS Bulkeley.
April 13, 2011
NOTE The following text is a quote:
http://norfolk.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel11/nf041311.htm
Alleged Somali Hostage Negotiator Charged with Piracy, Kidnapping Charges
Conspirator Allegedly Responsible for Ransom Negotiations in Somalia
NORFOLK, VA—The man allegedly identified by conspirators as the person in Somalia responsible for negotiating the ransom of four U.S. citizens held hostage on the high seas has been indicted by a federal grand jury, apprehended in Somalia and transferred to the United States to face charges.
Neil H. MacBride, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Janice K. Fedarcyk, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s New York Field Office; and Alex J. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement.
“The arrest of Mohammad Shibin is a significant breakthrough in the United States’ battle against Somali pirates,” said U.S. Attorney MacBride. “Today marks the first time that the U.S. government has captured and charged an alleged pirate in a leadership role—a hostage negotiator who operated in Somalia. We hope that this indictment will strike at the heart of the piracy business and send a strong message to all pirates that they are not beyond the reach of the FBI, whether they board the ships or remain on-shore in Somalia.”
“As 14 heavily armed men holed-up aboard the Quest, Mohammad Shibin allegedly worked behind the scenes determining exactly how much cash could be extorted for the Americans’ safe release,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Janice K. Fedarcyk. “The FBI remains committed to eradicating this racket of extortion, kidnapping, and killing.”
Mohammad Saaili Shibin, a/k/a “Khalif Ahmed Shibin,” a/k/a “Shibin,” of Somalia, was indicted on March 8, 2011, by a federal grand jury in Norfolk, Va., in association with the alleged pirating of an American yacht, the S/V Quest, and taking hostage four U.S. citizens, who were ultimately killed before their release could be secured. The indictment remained sealed until Shibin made a court appearance on April 13, 2011. Fourteen co-conspirators were indicted the same day and are awaiting a jury trial currently scheduled to begin on Nov. 29, 2011.
According to the indictment, Shibin was not among the conspirators who allegedly sailed the high seas and eventually boarded the Quest on Feb. 18, 2011, holding four U.S. citizens hostage for five days.
As the U.S. military attempted to negotiate with the alleged pirates to attempt to free the hostages, they were informed by one of the conspirators on the Quest that Shibin was the person responsible for negotiating the return of the hostages on board the Quest upon their arrival in Somalia. The indictment alleges that during this period of negotiation, Shibin conducted research on the Internet to learn about the hostages on the Quest and determine the amount of ransom to demand, along with the identity of family members of the hostages whom he could contact about the ransom.
While the military continued its negotiations, at least one of the alleged pirates on board the Quest fired a rocket propelled grenade (RPG) at a U.S. Navy ship, the USS Sterett. That same day—without provocation—at least three of the men on the Quest allegedly intentionally shot and killed the four hostages before their release could be secured.
Following the shooting of the hostages, the Somalis on the high seas were taken into custody by the U.S. military. Court records allege that the men possessed an RPG and several AK-47 and FAL assault rifles.
Shibin and his conspirators are charged with piracy, which carries a mandatory penalty of life in prison. In addition, the indictment also charges them with conspiracy to commit kidnapping, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, and the use of a destructive device during a crime of violence. The latter charge carries a mandatory minimum of 30 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison, which would run consecutive to all other charges.
This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s New York Field Office and Norfolk Field Office, with assistance from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin L. Hatch, Joseph E. DePadilla, and Brian J. Samuels from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Paul Casey of the Counterterrorism Section in the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
The public is reminded that an indictment only contains charges and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/vae. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.vaed.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.uspci.uscourts.gov.
Norfolk.FBI.gov - DOJ Press Release: Norfolk, VA - "ALLEGED SOMALI HOSTAGE NEGOTIATOR CHARGED WITH PIRACY, KIDNAPPING CHARGES Conspirator Allegedly Responsible for Ransom Negotiations in Somalia" (SNIPPET: "Mohammad Saaili Shibin, a/k/a "Khalif Ahmed Shibin," a/k/a "Shibin," of Somalia, was indicted on March 8, 2011...") (April 13, 2011)
CHRISTIANITY TODAY.com: "SOMALI PIRATES KILL BIBLE DISTRIBUTORS" by Sarah Pulliam Bailey (SNIPPET: "The pirates in northern Somalia are not hard-line Islamists and a yacht carrying Bibles is not likely to be a problem, the AP reports.") (February 22, 2011, 11:39 am)
DEFENSE.gov (AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE): Washington - "SOMALI PIRATES KILL 4 AMERICANS ON HIJACKED SHIP" (SNIPPET: "The pirates seized the boat Feb. 18 off the coast of Oman. Somali pirates -- often operating from mother ships far out to sea -- have captured scores of ships and generally have held the ships and crews for ransom. News reports indicate Somali pirates currently hold 29 ships with more than 660 hostages.") (February 22, 2011)
CENTCOM.mil - Press Release: Tampa, Florida - "U.S. FORCES RESPOND TO GUNFIRE ABOUT THE S/V QUEST" (SNIPPET: "US Forces have been closely monitoring the S/V Quest for approximately 3 days, once it became known to be pirated. Four U.S. Navy warships comprised the response force dedicated to recovering the S/V Quest...") (February 22, 2011)
NOTE The following text is a quote:
norfolk.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel11/nf052011.htm
Three Somalis Plead Guilty to Charges Relating to Piracy of Quest
Pirate Attack Resulted in Murder of Four U.S. Citizens
NORFOLK, VA—Mohamud Hirs Issa Ali, a/k/a Sanadaaq, 32; Mohamud Salad Ali, a/k/a Juguuf, 35; and Ali Abdi Mohamed, a/k/a Basher, 30, all of Somalia, pled guilty today in Norfolk federal court to acts of piracy and hostage-taking against the S/V Quest, which resulted in the murder of United States citizens Scott Underwood Adam, Jean Savage Adam, Phyllis Patricia Macay, and Robert Campbell Riggle.
Neil H. MacBride, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Janice K. Fedarcyk, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s New York Field Office; Alex J. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; and Mark Russ, Special Agent in Charge of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) in Norfolk, made the announcement after the pleas were accepted by United States District Judge Mark S. Davis.
“These men have admitted to pirating an American yacht and holding four U.S. citizens hostage at gunpoint for ransom. Tragically, their piracy led to the execution of the four American hostages,” said U.S. Attorney MacBride. “Piracy is big business in Somalia, and today pirates got another reminder of the tremendous cost of participating in this criminal venture. If you pirate an American ship, you will be caught and you’ll face severe consequences in an American courtroom.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge Janice K. Fedarcyk stated: “Today’s pleas are a crucial step in the judicial process. Mohamud Hirs Issa Ali and Mohamud Salad Ali, the leaders of these violent pirates, were armed hijackers who directed their subordinates to take hostages and seize the Quest, resulting in the death of four innocent Americans. Ali Abdi Mohamed fired a rocket propelled grenade at a U.S. Navy vessel. Modern piracy isn’t swordplay and derring-do; it’s armed robbery and cold-blooded murder at sea. The FBI remains determined to see pirates brought to justice.”
Today, Mohamud Hirs Issa Ali and Mohamud Salad Ali, both of whom acknowledged in connection with their pleas that they served as leaders of the piracy operation, pled guilty to piracy under the law of nations and hostage-taking resulting in death. The charges each carry a mandatory life sentence.
Ali Abdi Mohamed, who acknowledged in connection with his plea that he fired a rocket propelled grenade in the course of the crime, pled guilty to piracy under the law of nations. The charge carries a mandatory life sentence.
All three defendants warranted in their plea agreements that they played no role in the murder of the four United States citizens.
Sentencing for Mohamud Hirs Issa Ali is scheduled for September 6, 2011. Mohamud Salad Ali is scheduled to be sentenced on August 18, 2011, and sentencing for Ali Abdi Mohamed is scheduled for August 22, 2011.
The investigation of the case is being conducted by the FBI and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
The prosecution in the Eastern District of Virginia is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin L. Hatch, Joseph DePadilla, and Brian J. Samuels, from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and Trial Attorney Paul Casey from the Department of Justice’s National Security Division.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.justice.gov/usao/vae. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.vaed.uscourts.gov or on https://pcl.uscourts.gov.
May 24, 2011
NOTE The following text is a quote:
norfolk.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel11/nf052411.htm
Two More Somalis Plead Guilty to Charges Relating to Piracy of Quest
Pirate Attack Resulted in Murder of Four U.S. Citizens
NORFOLK, VA—Said Abdi Fooley, a/k/a Saed Abdi Fooley,” a/k/a “Said,” 22, and Abdi Jama Aqid, a/k/a “Abdi Mahad Jama,” a/k/a “Dabid,” age estimated between 24 and 28, both of Somalia, pled guilty today in Norfolk federal court to acts of piracy against the S/V Quest, which resulted in the murder of United States citizens Scott Underwood Adam, Jean Savage Adam, Phyllis Patricia Macay, and Robert Campbell Riggle.
Neil H. MacBride, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Janice K. Fedarcyk, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s New York Field Office; Alex J. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; and Mark Russ, Special Agent in Charge of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) in Norfolk, made the announcement after the pleas were accepted by United States District Judge Mark S. Davis.
“Fooley and Aqid put four Americans’ lives in danger to get tens of thousands of dollars in ransom money,” said U.S. Attorney MacBride. “Tragically, their hostages were executed before they could be rescued, and the Somalis were taken from the high seas to face American justice in an American courtroom.”
Both pled guilty today to piracy under the law of nations, which carries a mandatory life sentence. Fooley admitted that he was looking for a job as a pirate in hope of hijacking another boat to make money. He also admitted that during the pirate operation he had carried a FAL, a semi-automatic assault rifle, which had been given to him to carry on the Quest. Aqid admitted that he knew that the plan was to capture a boat, take it to the beach, and get a ransom. He thought he could get $70,000-$80,000. His job was to spot the ships. They admitted that they willingly engaged in piracy for financial gain and participated in the pirating of the Quest and in the taking of the four Americans on board as hostages. The two defendants warranted in their plea agreements that they did not personally shoot any of the four Americans, nor did they instruct any other person to shoot the hostages.
Sentencing for Said Abdi Fooley is scheduled for September 9, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. and sentencing for Abdi Jama Aquid is scheduled for September 9, 2011, at 2:30 p.m.
The investigation of the case is being conducted by the FBI and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. The prosecution in the Eastern District of Virginia is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin L. Hatch, Joseph DePadilla, and Brian J. Samuels, from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and Trial Attorney Paul Casey from the Department of Justice’s National Security Division.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.justice.gov/usao/vae. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.vaed.uscourts.gov or on https://pcl.uscourts.gov.
ON THE INTERNET:
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/killingchristians/index
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/killingamericans/index
Shades of Bill Clinton, it's a "law enforcement matter" BS.
Those pieces of excrement should have been shot on the spot or just plain thrown overboard. To hell with caring for them for the rest of their lives.
Prison isn't a "severe consequence" when compared to the summary execution of defenseless civilians.
http://hamptonroads.com/2011/07/yemeni-man-expected-plead-guilty-piracy-norfolk-court
“Yemeni man pleads guilty to piracy in Norfolk”
By Tim McGlone
The Virginian-Pilot
© July 8, 2011
NORFOLK
SNIPPET: “A Yemeni man pleaded guilty Thursday to piracy after refusing a similar deal with prosecutors last month.
Mounir Ali...”
SNIPEPT: “But in the end, Ali admitted he agreed to go along with the 14 Somalis on a pirate expedition in exchange for a cut of the ransom money.”
SNIPPET: “The trial for three remaining pirate suspects is set for Nov. 29 and the trial for the fourth is scheduled for Jan. 31.
Those dates are expected to be extendedif a new indictment is returned.”
11:58AM BST 11 Aug 2011
“Somali pirate ‘used mobile to surf web for US kidnap victim information’”
SNIPPET: “Mohammad Saaili Shibin, 50, was arrested by the FBI in Somalia after the four hostages were killed during negotiations with the US Navy in February.
He was transferred to the US where he is now facing trial for piracy and kidnapping along with 13 other Somalis and a Yemeni man.
US officials claim that Shibin was the most senior pirate in the operation and researched Jean and Scott Adam, the owners of the 58-foot yacht Quest, from land while his associates guarded them and their travelling companions Bob Riggle and Phyllis Macay, on-board. The FBI reportedly has screen grabs taken from his internet searches for the value of the Quest and family contacts of the people kidnapped.
Mr Shibin then contacted the victims’ families and opened negotiations for their release in return for a ransom.
But five days into the incident and before the ransom demand was made, the pirates fired a rocket-propelled grenade at the US warship negotiating with them then shot their hostages dead.”
NOTE The following text is a quote:
www.fbi.gov/norfolk/press-releases/2011/alleged-somali-hostage-negotiator-in-s-v-quest-piracy-indicted-for-piracy-of-m-v-marida-marguerite
Alleged Somali Hostage Negotiator in S/V Quest Piracy Indicted for Piracy of M/V Marida Marguerite
Twenty-Two Men Held Hostage for Seven Months as Alleged Negotiator Secured Ransom Paid for Release
U.S. Attorney’s Office
August 18, 2011
NORFOLK, VA—The man accused of being the negotiator for the ransom of four U.S. citizens held hostage on the high seas has been indicted for his alleged role in successfully extracting a ransom for a separate vessel and 22 hostages held by Somali pirates.
Neil H. MacBride, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Janice K. Fedarcyk, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s New York Field Office; and Alex J. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement.
“Mr. Shibin is alleged to be among the select few who are entrusted with one of the most important tasks in Somali piracy—ensuring a ship’s owners pay the maximum amount of ransom possible for the release of a hijacked vessel,” said U.S. Attorney MacBride. “The ransom paid for the Marida Marguerite capped a year where authorities estimate pirates received more than $100 million in ransom payments. The role he’s accused of fulfilling for pirates on the Marida Marguerite is the same role he allegedly intended to fill for the Quest. This case is aimed at the heart of the piracy business, striking at the small group of men who make receiving millions from piracy a reality.”
“During the seven-month ordeal, Mr. Shibin allegedly successfully negotiated a large ransom for the release of 22 crew aboard the Marida Marguerite,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Fedarcyk. “The negotiator has the most important job in the piracy business, extorting the most money possible for the ship and crew. As pirates operate during this period of instability in Somalia, the FBI will continue to apprehend all those involved, from Puntland villages to the Arabian Sea.”
Mohammad Saaili Shibin, aka “Khalif Ahmed Shibin,” aka “Shibin,” 50, of Somalia, was indicted on March 8, 2011, by a federal grand jury in Newport News, Va., in association with the alleged pirating of an American yacht, the S/V Quest, and taking hostage four U.S. citizens, who were ultimately killed before their release could be secured.
Today, Shibin was charged in a 15-count superseding indictment accusing him of serving as the ransom negotiator for conspirators who pirated the M/V Marida Marguerite, a German-owned vessel with a crew of 22 men who were held hostage off the coast of Somalia from May to December 2010. According to the indictment, Shibin spoke with the owners of the Marida Marguerite and successfully extracted a ransom payment for the vessel and its crew. The indictment states that Shibin received approximately $30,000 to $50,000 in U.S. currency as his share of the ransom payment.
Shibin was also charged with additional counts related to the attack on the Quest. A full list of the charges included in the superseding indictment and their penalties are provided below:
Two counts of piracy under the law of nations, which each carry a mandatory penalty of life in prison.
Two counts of conspiracy to commit hostage taking, which each carry a penalty of up to life in prison.
Two counts of hostage taking, which each carry a penalty of up to life in prison.
Two counts of conspiracy to commit violence against maritime navigation, which each carry a penalty of up to 20 years in prison.
Two counts of violence against maritime navigation, which each carry a mandatory penalty of up to 20 years in prison.
Conspiracy to commit kidnapping, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Kidnapping, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Three counts of use, carry and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence, the first count of which carries a mandatory minimum 10 years and a maximum of life in prison, and the latter two counts of which carry mandatory consecutive life sentences.
This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s New York Field Office and Norfolk Field Office, with assistance from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. In addition, U.S. Attorney MacBride expressed his appreciation for the close coordination and cooperation of German judicial and police authorities in building the latest charges involving the Marida Marguerite.
The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin L. Hatch, Joseph E. DePadilla, and Brian J. Samuels from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Paul Casey of the Counterterrorism Section in the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
The public is reminded that an indictment only contains charges and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
NOTE The following text is a quote:
www.fbi.gov/norfolk/press-releases/2011/two-somali-pirates-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-for-attack-that-resulted-in-murder-of-four-u.s.-citizens
Two Somali Pirates Sentenced to Life in Prison for Attack that Resulted in Murder of Four U.S. Citizens
U.S. Attorney’s Office
August 22, 2011
NORFOLK, VA—Ali Abdi Mohamed, a/k/a Basher, 30, and Burhan Abdirahman Yusuf, a/k/a Burhan or Famah, 31, both of Somalia, were sentenced today in Norfolk federal court to life in prison for their roles in the pirate attack against the S/V Quest, which resulted in the murder of four United States citizens.
Neil H. MacBride, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Janice K. Fedarcyk, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s New York Field Office; Alex J. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; and Mark Russ, Special Agent in Charge of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) in Norfolk, made the announcement after sentencing by United States District Judge Mark S. Davis.
“Piracy is a scourge that threatens nations, commerce, and individual lives,” said U.S. Attorney MacBride. “This is the first case where American lives have been lost due to Somali piracy, and as Somali pirates expand their territory, the risk of violence and harm to others continues to grow. Today’s sentences send a message to all those who participate in piracy that armed attacks on the high seas carry lifelong consequences.”
“The pirates’ vain attempt to obtain ransom, after nine days at sea, ended in the death of four Americans. Today’s life sentences will be heard throughout the pirate community—and should send a clear message—that the days of unbridled armed robbery and extortion at sea are over. The only plunder these pirates earned is life behind bars,” said Assistant Director in Charge Janice K. Fedarcyk.
Mohamed and Yusuf pled guilty to piracy, which carries a mandatory life sentence. Nine co-conspirators have also pled guilty and will be sentenced in the coming weeks. Three men—Ahmed Muse Salad, a/k/a “Afmagalo,” 25; Abukar Osman Beyle, 20; and Shani Nurani Shiekh Abrar, 29—have been charged in a 26-count superseding indictment with the kidnapping, hostage-taking and murder of the four U.S. citizens onboard the Quest; 22 of the 26 counts are death-eligible offenses.
Court documents associated with the guilty pleas to date indicate that Mohamed and Yusuf were among 19 Somalis who willingly conspired to sail the high seas in search of a vessel to pirate and hold for ransom. The men anticipated receiving a percentage of whatever ransom they received, after paying approximately 35 percent to the operation’s financier.
After several days at sea, court documents state that the conspirators were approximately 900 miles from Somalia and running low on fuel when they saw what they knew was an American vessel, the S/V Quest, and they decided to take it. The four hostages were held inside the steering house, being guarded by men holding firearms.
According to court documents, as the conspirators sailed back to Somalia, they were overtaken by U.S. warships. Two men—Mohamud Salad Ali, who was, at the time, the leader of the pirates, and Muhidin Salad Omar, the driver of the skiff—boarded the warship to talk with the military. The U.S. military told the men that they do not pay ransoms, but that if the hostages were released the military would allow the pirates to take the Quest back with them to Somalia. The conspirators, court documents state, did not want to release the hostages because they believed they would get little money for the boat itself.
While the military attempted to secure the release of the hostages, Ibrahim, who is deceased but was in charge after Mohamud Salad Ali left the Quest, told the military that they were not going to stop and others on board the Quest began discussing massacring the hostages to get the U.S. boats to retreat. Ibrahim ordered Ali Abdi Mohamed to fire an RPG at the military warship as a warning shot. At this time, court documents state that men guarding the hostages began firing their weapons at the hostages, including three men in custody. Ali Abdi Mohamed and Ahmed Sala Ali Burale stated in court documents that once the shootings began, they and others rushed the shooters and attempted to immobilize them.
Soon after, U.S. military personnel boarded the Quest and took 15 individuals into custody, including a juvenile who has not been charged in this case. Four men were not taken into custody because they were deceased.
On Aug. 18, 2011, Mohammad Saaili Shibin, a/k/a “Khalif Ahmed Shibin,” a/k/a “Shibin,” 50, of Somalia, was charged in a superseding indictment for his alleged role as a ransom negotiator in the attack on the Quest and a similar role in a separate attack on the M/V Marida Marguerite, a German-owned vessel with a crew of 22 men who were held hostage off the coast of Somalia from May to December 2010. According to the indictment, Shibin spoke with the owners of the Marida Marguerite and successfully extracted a ransom payment for the vessel and its crew. The indictment states that Shibin received approximately $30,000 to $50,000 in U.S. currency as his share of the ransom payment.
The investigation of the case is being conducted by the FBI and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
The prosecution in the Eastern District of Virginia is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin L. Hatch, Joseph DePadilla and Brian J. Samuels, from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and Trial Attorney Paul Casey from the Department of Justice’s National Security Division.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.justice.gov/usao/vae. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.vaed.uscourts.gov or on https://pcl.uscourts.gov.
NOTE The following text is a quote:
www.fbi.gov/newyork/press-releases/2011/two-somalis-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-for-acts-of-piracy-against-the-s-v-quest
Two Somalis Sentenced to Life in Prison for Acts of Piracy Against the S/V Quest
Pirate Attack Resulted in Murder of Four U.S. Citizens
U.S. Attorney’s Office
October 03, 2011
Eastern District of Virginia
NORFOLK, VA—Muhidin Salad Omar, a/k/a “Muhiyaden Salad,” a/k/a “Gurdan,” a/k/a “Gardan,” a/k/a “Gurden,” a/k/a “Muhdin,” a/k/a “Dudan,” 30; and Mahdi Jama Mohamed, a/k/a “Mahdi,” age estimated to be 23 to 24, both of Somalia, were sentenced today in Norfolk federal court for acts of piracy against the S/V Quest, which resulted in the murder of United States citizens Scott Underwood Adam, Jean Savage Adam, Phyllis Patricia Macay, and Robert Campbell Riggle. Omar previously pled guilty on May 25, 2011 and Mohamed on pled guilty on May 26, 2011 to piracy under the law of nations.
Neil H. MacBride, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Janice K. Fedarcyk, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s New York Field Office; Alex J. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; and Mark Russ, Special Agent in Charge of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) in Norfolk, made the announcement after Omar and Mohamed were sentenced by United States District Judge Mark S. Davis.
“Somali piracy is a scourge on the world stage, and it continues to grow more widespread and more violent,” said U.S. Attorney MacBride. “Armed attacks on the high seas carry a very real threat of death to those taken hostage, a threat that was tragically made evident in this case. That threat remains for hundreds of hostages held hostage in Somalia, and a life sentence sends a strong message to anyone who chooses to engage in piracy against U.S. interests that they will face severe consequences.”
“Today’s sentencings should serve as yet another example, in the litany that already exists, of what happens to those who pirate our ships and participate in the killing of Americans. Muhidin Salad Omar and Mahdi Jama Mohamed will spend the rest of their lives behind bars, far away from the high seas they terrorized,” said Assistant Director in Charge Janice K. Fedarcyk.
According to court documents, Omar admitted that he was approached to participate in piracy operations because they needed a driver for the skiff and that he went to the American warship to try and save things, hoping that the American forces would pull back and allow them to reach Somali waters. He told the court that the American commander informed the pirates that the U.S. government does not pay money, but if they sent over the hostages on the skiff, they could take the Quest. He admitted that he knew the pirates had committed a crime against the United States because they held the hostages. Omar admitted that he willingly engaged in piracy for financial gain and participated in the pirating of the Quest and in the taking of the four Americans on board as hostages. However, he warranted in his plea agreement that he did not personally shoot any of the four Americans, nor did they instruct any other person to shoot the hostages.
Mohamed admitted he requested to join the pirates before the pirates left Somalia to look for a vessel to hijack. He also admitted to holding a rifle while aboard the Quest when he was on guard duty with the hostages. However, he also warranted in his plea agreement that he did not personally shoot any of the four Americans, nor did he instruct any other person to shoot the hostages.
The investigation of the case is being conducted by the FBI and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
The prosecution in the Eastern District of Virginia is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin L. Hatch, Joseph DePadilla and Brian J. Samuels, from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and Trial Attorney Paul Casey from the Department of Justice’s National Security Division.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.justice.gov/usao/vae. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.vaed.uscourts.gov or on https://pcl.uscourts.gov.
NOTE The following text is a quote:
www.fbi.gov/newyork/press-releases/2011/yemeni-man-sentenced-for-acts-of-piracy-under-the-law-of-nations
Yemeni Man Sentenced for Acts of Piracy Under the Law of Nations
Pirate Attack Resulted in Murder of Four U.S. Citizens
U.S. Attorney’s Office
October 21, 2011
Eastern District of Virginia
NORFOLK, VA—Mounir Ali, a/k/a “Muner Ali,” 23, of Yemen, was sentenced today in Norfolk federal court to life in prison for acts of piracy against the S/V Quest, which resulted in the murder of United States citizens Scott Underwood Adam, Jean Savage Adam, Phyllis Patricia Macay, and Robert Campbell Riggle. Ali previously pled guilty to the piracy charge on July 7, 2011.
Neil H. MacBride, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Janice K. Fedarcyk, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s New York Field Office; Alex J. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; and Mark Russ, Special Agent in Charge of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) in Norfolk, made the announcement after Ali was sentenced by United States District Judge Mark S. Davis.
“Despite being a victim of piracy himself, Mr. Ali voluntarily joined his captors to attack and hold four Americans hostage for ransom,” said U.S. Attorney MacBride. “The greed for ransom money ultimately led to the cold-blooded murder of the hostages. Pirates who attack U.S. citizens on the high seas—whether successful or not, whether violent or not—must get the message that they will face lifelong consequences for their actions.”
“Even after being victimized by piracy himself, Mr. Ali couldn’t resist the temptation to plunder another ship in search of a cash payout,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Fedarcyk. “That selfish act resulted in the death of four Americans. Piracy is a scourge on our seas, disrupting trade and threatening Americans’ lives. The FBI will continue to do all in its power to maintain the rule of law and protect our citizens, wherever they may be.”
According to court documents, Ali is one of 14 defendants charged together with the piracy of the S/V Quest in February 2011 that resulted in the murder of four American citizens in the Indian Ocean. This defendant, the sole Yemeni, was part of the crew of another boat that was hijacked by a separate group of pirates some months earlier. The defendant had been taken on at least two piracy outings in his captured ship. On the second outing, the defendant was with other pirates when the Yemeni fishing boat, used as a mothership for the Quest hijacking, was captured. The defendant transferred to the Yemeni fishing boat and then chose to go with the pirates when they located the Quest in exchange for a share of the ransom. Ali is the seventh of the defendants to be sentenced of the 11 who have pled guilty to offenses related to the Quest piracy.
The investigation of the case is being conducted by the FBI and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
The case is being prosecuted by Eastern District of Virginia Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin L. Hatch, Joseph DePadilla and Brian J. Samuels, and Trial Attorney Paul Casey from the Department of Justice’s National Security Division.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.justice.gov/usao/vae. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.vaed.uscourts.gov or on https://pcl.uscourts.gov.
NOTE The following text is a quote:
www.fbi.gov/norfolk/press-releases/2011/somalis-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-on-charges-relating-to-piracy-of-the-s-v-quest
Somalis Sentenced to Life in Prison on Charges Relating to Piracy of the S/V Quest
Pirate Attack Resulted in Murder of Four U.S. Citizens
U.S. Attorney’s Office
December 15, 2011
Eastern District of Virginia
NORFOLK, VA—Mohamud Hirs Issa Ali, a/k/a Sanadaaq, 32, and Jilani Abdiali, a/k/a Ilkasse, 20, both of Somalia, were sentenced today in Norfolk federal court to life in prison for their acts of piracy against the S/V Quest, which resulted in the murder of United States citizens Scott Underwood Adam, Jean Savage Adam, Phyllis Patricia Macay, and Robert Campbell Riggle.
Neil H. MacBride, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Janice K. Fedarcyk, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s New York Field Office; Alex J. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; and Mark Russ, Special Agent in Charge of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) in Norfolk, made the announcement after the men were sentenced by United States District Judge Mark S. Davis.
Ali pled guilty to piracy under the law of nations and hostage taking resulting in death on May 23, 2011. Abdiali pled guilty to piracy under the law of nations on May 20, 2011.
“As Somali pirates expand their territory, they place more individuals’ lives at risk,” said U.S. Attorney MacBride. “These men willingly joined this group of pirates out of greed, knowing full well that their actions could—and did—lead to the death of their hostages. They will spend their lives in prison for what they willingly chose to do and the lifetime of suffering and pain they thrust on the victims’ loved ones.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge Fedarcyk stated: “Piracy in its modern form is carjacking at sea. It is not glamorous; it is violent and often murderous. The crew of the Quest did nothing to antagonize their captors. They were a target of opportunity. The FBI is committed to stopping crime on the high seas.”
Ali admitted in court that he was the commander of the pirate ship when it left Somalia. They seized the Quest about 840 miles out of Somalia, and he transferred the pirates and a number of weapons over to the Quest via a skiff. He carried an AK-47, which he used for guard duty over the hostages, and he ordered a co-defendant to fire an RPG toward the Navy vessel while the Navy was attempting to secure the hostages’ release through negotiations with the conspirators. In his plea, he warranted that he did not personally shoot or order the shooting of the four Americans. He received two concurrent terms of life in prison today.
Abdiali admitted that he willingly engaged in piracy for financial gain and participated in the pirating of the Quest and the taking of the four Americans on board as hostages. He warranted in his plea agreement that he did not personally shoot any of the Americans, nor did he instruct any other person to shoot the hostages.
The investigation of the case is being conducted by the FBI and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
The prosecution in the Eastern District of Virginia is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin L. Hatch, Joseph DePadilla and Brian J. Samuels, from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and Trial Attorney Paul Casey from the Department of Justice’s National Security Division.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.justice.gov/usao/vae. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.vaed.uscourts.gov or on https://pcl.uscourts.gov.
NOTE The following text is a quote:
www.fbi.gov/norfolk/press-releases/2012/somali-hostage-negotiator-in-s-v-quest-piracy-and-pirating-of-m-v-marida-marguerite-found-guilty-on-all-counts
Somali Hostage Negotiator in S/V Quest Piracy and Pirating of M/V Marida Marguerite Found Guilty on All Counts
U.S. Attorney’s Office
April 27, 2012
Eastern District of Virginia
NORFOLK, VA—Mohammad Saaili Shibin, a/k/a “Khalif Ahmed Shibin,” a/k/a “Shibin,” 50, of Somalia, was convicted today by a federal jury in Norfolk for his involvement in the pirating of an American yacht, the S/V Quest, and taking hostage four U.S. citizens who were ultimately killed before their release could be secured and of the pirating of the M/V Marida Marguerite.
Neil H. MacBride, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Janice K. Fedarcyk, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s New York Field Office; and John Boles, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement. Shibin is scheduled to be sentenced on August 13, 2012.
“Today’s verdict marks the conviction of the highest-ranking Somali pirate ever brought to the United States,” said U.S. Attorney MacBride. “Mr. Shibin was convicted as a part of a hijacking that resulted in the summary execution of four Americans. He was among an elite fraternity of pirate negotiators—the vital link to any successful pirate attack. His skills were essential to obtain a ransom for those who attacked the vessel and the financiers who paid for the attack.”
“Mr. Shibin’s actions resulted in the cold blooded execution of four Americans aboard their own yacht, a form of terrorism on the high seas,” said FBI ADIC Fedarcyk. “Today’s verdict should send a clear message to pirate negotiators and financiers alike, no matter what your role—in a pirate skiff or demanding ransom from the shores of Somalia—you are not beyond the reach of American justice.”
Shibin was found guilty of all counts of a superseding indictment which charged him with serving as the ransom negotiator for conspirators who pirated the M/V Marida Marguerite, a German-owned vessel with a crew of 22 men who were held hostage off the coast of Somalia from May to December 2010. According to court documents and testimony, Shibin spoke with the owners of the Marida Marguerite and successfully extracted a ransom payment for the vessel and its crew. Shibin received approximately $30,000 to $50,000 in U.S. currency as his share of the ransom payment.
Shibin was also found guilty of all counts relating to the attack on the Quest. A full list of the charges and their penalties are provided below:
two counts of piracy under the law of nations, which each carry a mandatory penalty of life in prison;
two counts of conspiracy to commit hostage taking, which each carry a penalty of up to life in prison;
two counts of hostage taking, which each carry a penalty of up to life in prison;
two counts of conspiracy to commit violence against maritime navigation, which each carry a penalty of up to 20 years in prison;
two counts of violence against maritime navigation, which each carry a mandatory penalty of up to 20 years in prison;
conspiracy to commit kidnapping, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison;
kidnapping, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison;
three counts of use, carry, and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence, the first count of which carries a mandatory minimum 10 years and a maximum of life in prison, and the latter two counts of which carry mandatory consecutive life sentences.
This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s New York Field Office and Norfolk Field Office, with assistance from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. In addition, U.S. Attorney MacBride expressed his appreciation for the close coordination and cooperation of German judicial and police authorities in building the latest charges involving the Marida Marguerite.
The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin L. Hatch, Joseph E. DePadilla, and Brian J. Samuels from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Paul Casey of the Counterterrorism Section in the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.justice.gov/usao/vae.
NOTE The following text is a quote:
www.fbi.gov/norfolk/press-releases/2012/somali-hostage-negotiator-in-s-v-quest-piracy-and-pirating-of-m-v-marida-marguerite-found-guilty-on-all-counts
Somali Hostage Negotiator in S/V Quest Piracy and Pirating of M/V Marida Marguerite Found Guilty on All Counts
U.S. Attorney’s Office
April 27, 2012
Eastern District of Virginia
NORFOLK, VA—Mohammad Saaili Shibin, a/k/a “Khalif Ahmed Shibin,” a/k/a “Shibin,” 50, of Somalia, was convicted today by a federal jury in Norfolk for his involvement in the pirating of an American yacht, the S/V Quest, and taking hostage four U.S. citizens who were ultimately killed before their release could be secured and of the pirating of the M/V Marida Marguerite.
Neil H. MacBride, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Janice K. Fedarcyk, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s New York Field Office; and John Boles, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement. Shibin is scheduled to be sentenced on August 13, 2012.
“Today’s verdict marks the conviction of the highest-ranking Somali pirate ever brought to the United States,” said U.S. Attorney MacBride. “Mr. Shibin was convicted as a part of a hijacking that resulted in the summary execution of four Americans. He was among an elite fraternity of pirate negotiators—the vital link to any successful pirate attack. His skills were essential to obtain a ransom for those who attacked the vessel and the financiers who paid for the attack.”
“Mr. Shibin’s actions resulted in the cold blooded execution of four Americans aboard their own yacht, a form of terrorism on the high seas,” said FBI ADIC Fedarcyk. “Today’s verdict should send a clear message to pirate negotiators and financiers alike, no matter what your role—in a pirate skiff or demanding ransom from the shores of Somalia—you are not beyond the reach of American justice.”
Shibin was found guilty of all counts of a superseding indictment which charged him with serving as the ransom negotiator for conspirators who pirated the M/V Marida Marguerite, a German-owned vessel with a crew of 22 men who were held hostage off the coast of Somalia from May to December 2010. According to court documents and testimony, Shibin spoke with the owners of the Marida Marguerite and successfully extracted a ransom payment for the vessel and its crew. Shibin received approximately $30,000 to $50,000 in U.S. currency as his share of the ransom payment.
Shibin was also found guilty of all counts relating to the attack on the Quest. A full list of the charges and their penalties are provided below:
two counts of piracy under the law of nations, which each carry a mandatory penalty of life in prison;
two counts of conspiracy to commit hostage taking, which each carry a penalty of up to life in prison;
two counts of hostage taking, which each carry a penalty of up to life in prison;
two counts of conspiracy to commit violence against maritime navigation, which each carry a penalty of up to 20 years in prison;
two counts of violence against maritime navigation, which each carry a mandatory penalty of up to 20 years in prison;
conspiracy to commit kidnapping, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison;
kidnapping, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison;
three counts of use, carry, and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence, the first count of which carries a mandatory minimum 10 years and a maximum of life in prison, and the latter two counts of which carry mandatory consecutive life sentences.
This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s New York Field Office and Norfolk Field Office, with assistance from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. In addition, U.S. Attorney MacBride expressed his appreciation for the close coordination and cooperation of German judicial and police authorities in building the latest charges involving the Marida Marguerite.
The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin L. Hatch, Joseph E. DePadilla, and Brian J. Samuels from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Paul Casey of the Counterterrorism Section in the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.justice.gov/usao/vae.
NOTE The following text is a quote:
www.fbi.gov/norfolk/press-releases/2012/somali-hostage-negotiator-in-s-v-quest-and-m-v-miranda-marguerite-piracies-sentenced-to-multiple-life-sentences
Somali Hostage Negotiator in S/V Quest and M/V Miranda Marguerite Piracies Sentenced to Multiple Life Sentences
U.S. Attorney’s Office
August 13, 2012
Eastern District of Virginia
NORFOLK, VA—Mohammad Saaili Shibin, a/k/a “Khalif Ahmed Shibin,” a/k/a “Shibin,” the man convicted as the person in Somalia responsible for negotiating the ransom of an American yacht, the S/V Quest, and the Marida Marguerite, a German-owned vessel, was sentenced to 10 concurrent life sentences for piracy, two consecutive life sentences for the use of a rocket-propelled grenade/automatic weapons during crimes of violence, 10 years consecutive on six counts charging discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two 20-year sentences for the remaining counts of discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence. Shibin is also required to pay restitution in the amount of approximately $5,408,000.
Neil H. MacBride, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, made the announcement after sentencing by United States District Judge Robert G. Doumar, Sr. Shibin was previously found guilty by a federal jury on April 27, 2012, of all counts of a superseding indictment.
“Mohammed Shibin was a key participant in two of the most heinous acts of piracy in modern memory: last year, his confederates seized the S/V Quest and murdered four defenseless Americans, and in 2010, the crew members of the M/V Marida Marguerite were brutally tortured by Shibin and his pirate conspirators to extract a $5 million reward. The Somalia piracy criminal enterprise could not function without skilled negotiators like Shibin, and his multiple life sentences should put all pirates on notice that the Justice Department will hold you accountable in an U.S. courtroom for crimes on the high seas. Shibin is the 18th Somali pirate my office has convicted.”
According to court documents and trial testimony, as the U.S. military attempted to negotiate the release of four American citizens being held hostage on board the S/V Quest, they were informed by one of the conspirators on the Quest that Shibin was the person responsible for negotiating the return of the hostages upon their arrival in Somalia. Evidence at trial showed that during this period of negotiation, Shibin conducted research on the Internet to learn about the hostages on the Quest and determine the amount of ransom to demand, along with the identity of family members of the hostages whom he could contact about the ransom. But while the military continued its negotiations to secure the hostages’ release, the four hostages were intentionally shot and killed.
Court documents and testimony also proved that Shibin was the ransom negotiator for conspirators who pirated the Marida Marguerite, a German-owned vessel with a crew of 22 men who were held hostage off the coast of Somalia from May to December 2010. Shibin spoke with the owners of the Marida Marguerite and successfully extracted a ransom payment for the vessel and its crew. Shibin received approximately $30,000 to $50,000 in U.S. currency as his share of the ransom payment. Crew members of the M/V Marida Marguerite testified that they were brutally tortured while being held hostage.
This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s New York Field Office and Norfolk Field Office, with assistance from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin L. Hatch, Joseph E. DePadilla, and Brian J. Samuels from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Paul Casey of the Counterterrorism Section in the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/vae.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-somali-pirates-20130602,0,6582480.story
“Suspected pirates face unprecedented trial in U.S. court”
By Shashank Bengali, Los Angeles Times
June 1, 2013, 7:51 p.m.
WASHINGTON —
SNIPPET: “Prosecutors are expected to seek the death penalty for the final three — Ahmed Muse Salad, Abukar Osman Beyle and Shani Nurani Shiekh Abrar — in their trial, set to start this week in U.S. District Court in Norfolk.”
NOTE The following text is a quote:
www.fbi.gov/newyork/press-releases/2013/three-somali-pirates-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-for-murders-of-four-americans-aboard-sv-quest
Three Somali Pirates Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murders of Four Americans Aboard SV Quest
U.S. Attorney’s Office
August 02, 2013
Eastern District of Virginia
NORFOLK, VA—Somali nationals Ahmed Muse Salad, a/k/a “Afmagalo,” 25; Abukar Osman Beyle, 20; and Shani Nurani Shiekh Abrar, 29, who were previously found guilty by jury of all 26 counts charged, to include piracy, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, hostage taking resulting in death, kidnapping resulting in death, and multiple firearms offenses, were sentenced today by a federal jury. The three defendants were sentenced to life in prison for their roles in the February 22, 2011 murders of four Americans aboard the sailing vessel Quest. The victims included Scott Underwood Adam, Jean Savage Adam, Phyllis Patricia Macay, and Robert Campbell Riggle.
Neil H. MacBride, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; George Venizelos, Assistant Director in Charge (ADIC) of the FBI’s New York Field Office; Royce E. Curtin, Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; and Michael Monroe, Special Agent in Charge of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), made the announcement after the sentence was accepted by Chief United States District Court Judge Rebecca Beach Smith.
“Four Americans were taken hostage, terrorized, and then murdered. Life in prison is reserved for those who commit heinous crimes—and the jury today decided the execution of four innocent Americans on the high seas meets that high bar,” said United States Attorney Neil H. MacBride. “Scott Adam, Jean Adam, Phyllis Macay, and Robert Riggle lost their lives, and their families lost their loved ones. Nothing can make this right; nothing can make their families whole again—but we hope today’s verdict and sentences will bring some closure to their nightmare that began two years ago on the Indian Ocean.”
“This case exemplifies the ongoing, outstanding cooperation between federal law enforcement and federal prosecutors,” said Norfolk SAC Royce Curtin. “Today’s sentencings should send a clear message to anyone committing acts of criminal violence against American citizens at sea that they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Assistant Director in Charge Venizelos stated, “Pirates armed with AK-47s and rocket-propelled grenades took four innocent Americans hostage aboard their own vessel. When negotiations reached an impasse, one pirate launched a grenade at a nearby U.S. Navy ship while others murdered four Americans aboard the Quest. Today’s life sentences provide a vigorous deterrent for armed bandits roaming our seas. The FBI’s commitment to stopping this scourge of violence is unwavering.”
The defendants were previously indicted on July 8, 2011, by a federal grand jury on 26 counts, which included conspiracy to commit hostage taking, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, kidnapping resulting in death, conspiracy to commit violence against maritime navigation resulting in death, piracy, and firearms offenses. The defendants were convicted on all 26 counts on July 8, 2013. According to court records and evidence at trial, Salad, Beyle, Abrar, and others—armed with firearms and a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG)—boarded the Quest while the four Americans slept on February 18, 2011. They gained control of the vessel and took the four American citizens as hostages. Their plan was to take the hostages to Somalia, where they and their additional co-conspirators in Somalia could commence ransom negotiations. While they sailed toward Somalia, the three defendants and their co-conspirators were taking turns standing armed guard over the hostages; at the same time, United States Navy ships headed towards the Quest to aid the hostages and prevent the Quest from proceeding to Somalia.
Beginning on February 19, 2011, communications had been established, and the United States Navy and the FBI began negotiating with the pirates to secure the safe release of the hostages. On February 21, 2011, two co-conspirators representing the pirates onboard the Q, were transferred to the USS Sterett to negotiate. The negotiations reached an impasse when the co-conspirators were told that they were not going to be allowed to take the hostages ashore in Somalia. The decision was made to detain the co-conspirators after they refused to release the hostages and threatened to kill them if they were not allowed to return to Somalia.
Testimony revealed that Abrar fired a shot over the head of Scott Adam and instructed Adam to tell the U.S. Navy that if the military came any closer, the conspirators would kill the hostages.
On February 22, 2011, without provocation and before the hostages could be rescued by members of the military, a co-conspirator fired an RPG in the general direction of the USS Sterett. Witnesses testified that sustained firing came from the Quest and that glass could be seen breaking on the starboard side of the Quest. Witnesses also testified that Salad, Beyle, and Abrar were the shooters and responsible for the deaths of Scott Adam, Jean Adam, Phyllis Macay, and Robert Riggle. After the gun fire died down, the navy dispatched SEALS to the Quest. The pirates aboard the Quest began surrendering, and some were seen throwing AK-47 rifles into the water.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph DePadilla, Brian J. Samuels, and Benjamin L. Hatch prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia at www.justice.gov/usao/vae.
NOTE The following text is a quote:
www.fbi.gov/newyork/press-releases/2013/somali-pirates-sentenced-to-multiple-life-sentences-in-murders-of-four-americans-aboard-sv-quest
Somali Pirates Sentenced to Multiple Life Sentences in Murders of Four Americans Aboard SV Quest
U.S. Attorney’s Office
November 14, 2013
Eastern District of Virginia
NORFOLK, VA—Somali nationals Ahmed Muse Salad, a/k/a “Afmagalo,” 27, Abukar Osman Beyle, 33, and Shani Nurani Shiekh Abrar, 31, who were previously found guilty of piracy, murder within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, violence against maritime navigation, conspiracy to commit violence against maritime navigation resulting in death, kidnapping resulting in death, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, hostage taking resulting in death, conspiracy to commit hostage taking resulting in death, and multiple firearms offenses, were sentenced this week. Salad, Beyle, and Abrar were all sentenced to 21 life sentences, 19 consecutive life sentences, two concurrent life sentences, and 30 years consecutive, for their roles in the February 22, 2011 murders of four Americans aboard the sailing vessel Quest. The victims included: Scott Underwood Adam, Jean Savage Adam, Phyllis Patricia Macay, and Robert Campbell Riggle.
Dana J. Boente, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; George Venizelos, Assistant Director in Charge (ADIC) of the FBI’s New York Field Office; Royce E. Curtin, Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; and Charles T. May, Special Agent in Charge of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief United States District Court Judge Rebecca Beach Smith.
“These defendants, in violation of U.S. and international law, commandeered an American-flagged sailing vessel, refused to release the hostages to the Navy, and brutally murdered the four Americans on board,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Boente. “The multiple, consecutive life sentences imposed today send a clear message that piracy, hostage-taking, and murder on the high seas will not be tolerated.”
Assistant Director in Charge George Venizelos said, “The sad fact about this case is that four Americans are dead because of the actions taken by the defendants and their associates in the form of modern-day piracy. On a fateful day in February 2011, they boarded the sailing vessel Quest with the goal of using violence to get monetary gains. Today’s life sentences provide a vigorous deterrent to armed bandits roaming our seas. The FBI remains vigilant in our responsibility to bring these pirates to justice.”
Special Agent in Charge Charles T. May said, “NCIS worked closely with our uniformed partners in the Navy, the FBI, and the United States Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of Virginia in bringing these Somali pirates to justice for their senseless kidnapping and murder of four American citizens. Piracy and other transnational crimes such as narcoterrorism and human trafficking represent global threats to maritime security. NCIS, with our unique mission, is especially well-suited to investigating acts of piracy on the high seas, and we will continue to work with our U.S. and foreign law enforcement partners and prosecutorial entities from the U.S. and foreign nations to eradicate this global menace. “
Salad, Beyle, and Abrar, were indicted in a 26-count indictment on July 8, 2011, and were found guilty by a federal jury on all 26 counts on July 8, 2013. According to court records and evidence at trial, Salad, Beyle, and Abrar, along with co-conspirators, gained control of the Quest while armed with firearms and a rocket-propelled grenade and took the four Americans hostage on February 18, 2011. Their plan was to take the hostages to Somalia, where they and their additional co-conspirators in Somalia could commence ransom negotiations. While they sailed toward Somalia, they took turns standing armed guard over the hostages; at the same time, United States Navy ships headed towards the Quest to aid the hostages and attempt to secure their safe release.
On February 22, 2011, without provocation and before the hostages could be rescued by members of the military, a co-conspirator fired an RPG in the general direction of the USS Sterett. Witnesses testified that sustained firing came from the Quest and that glass could be seen breaking on the starboard side of the Quest. Witnesses also testified that Salad, Beyle, and Abrar, were the shooters and responsible for the deaths of Scott Adam, Jean Adam, Phyllis Macay, and Robert Riggle. After the gunfire died down, the Navy dispatched SEALS to the Quest. The pirates aboard the Quest began surrendering and some were seen throwing AK-47 rifles into the water.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin L. Hatch, Joseph DePadilla, and Brian J. Samuels prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.justice.gov/usao/vae.
So would Vladimir Putin.
Russian coast guard takes out pirate ship
If you meet a group of Russians singing sad songs and playing the balaika, everything`s peachy.
But if they bring out the Moscow heavy metal on yo azz, then yo ship is gritz.
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