A Minnesota man from Somalia exploited government positions to keep an American journalist captive for nearly three years.
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN
– A Somali man living in
Minnesota
will spend decades in prison for his involvement in the prolonged captivity of a U.S. journalist. Abdi Yusuf Hassan of Minneapolis and his associate, Mohamed Tahlil Mohamed of Somalia, were sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for their roles in the abduction and detention of Michael Scott Moore, an American journalist held hostage for almost three years.
According to the Department of Justice, Hassan and Mohamed were instrumental in Moore’s captivity, which lasted an extraordinary 977 days. Hassan, a Minnesota resident with ties to the Somali government, held a significant position in Somalia’s Galmudug province as the Minister of Interior. With responsibility over local police and security forces, Hassan was in a position of influence, which he allegedly used to support and coordinate the hostage situation.
Meanwhile, Mohamed held a position as an officer in the Somali army, further intensifying concerns about the use of authority for personal gain.
Journalist Held Under Armed Guard
The ordeal began in January 2012 when Moore, on assignment to report on piracy and the Somali economy, was seized from his vehicle while traveling in Somalia.
During his captivity, Moore was transported between various locations, including a hijacked ship where he was held alongside 28 crew members from Vietnam, China, the Philippines, and Taiwan.
The captors ensured his compliance by moving him between secure locations, guarding him heavily, and chaining him at night to prevent any escape attempts. At multiple points during his captivity, Moore’s abductors released proof-of-life videos, demanding large ransom payments from his family and supporters in exchange for his freedom.
Hassan played a central role in negotiating the ransom, directing video productions to confirm Moore’s survival. His home reportedly served as a coordination center for the operation. Moore’s release in September 2014, after ransom demands were met, finally concluded the harrowing experience.
Justice Served Through 2023 Conviction and Sentencing
In February 2023, a federal jury found Hassan and Mohamed guilty of multiple charges, including hostage-taking, terrorism, and firearms offenses. The recent sentencing reflects the determination of U.S. authorities to hold accountable those who unlawfully detain American citizens.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams emphasized that Hassan and Mohamed abused their government roles to detain Moore, prioritizing personal profit over legal duty and public safety.
The Department of Justice has underscored its commitment to pursuing justice for American citizens impacted by crimes abroad, highlighting that those who exploit positions of power for criminal gain will face severe legal consequences.
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|
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