Three men from Michigan, Issa Hamade, Ahmad Harb, and Sobhi Sobh, are facing several charges linked to the kidnapping of a man in Las Vegas. The charges include first-degree kidnapping, extortion, conspiracy, battery with intent to cause mayhem, robbery or grand larceny, and coercion with threats. These details were reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
During court sessions in Clark County, the court identified Hamade as a dentist from Dearborn, Michigan. Harb works as a DJ, and Sobh is a physical therapist. The three allegedly lured Naved Azim, a resident of New York, to a hotel room at the MGM Grand on the Las Vegas Strip, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department report.
“Your son scammed me of 185K in fake sports bets. I want my money,”
The men reportedly attacked Azim, beating, strangling, suffocating him with a pillow, gagging him, and locking him in a closet. They demanded $185,000 from Azim’s father, claiming the debt was owed to Harb. However, Harb later informed investigators that the actual amount owed was $325,000.
Police said the suspects made a video call to Azim’s father, showing him his son, who was severely beaten. They also took photos of Azim’s family and friends to threaten them if the debt was not paid.
During a recent court hearing, Hamade’s lawyer, Michael Troiano, denied his client’s involvement in the fraudulent gambling activities. He described Hamade as an upstanding citizen, stating that Azim was involved in a scam.
Azim had allegedly placed sports bets with a “promoter/bookie,” leading him to meet Harb. Harb reportedly asked Azim to place a $2,300 bet on a New York Knicks game, which could have resulted in a $20,000 payout. Azim, however, never placed the bet and fabricated a fake sports betting ticket.
Sobh’s attorney, Ryan Helmick, stated that there is much to uncover regarding the case. Meanwhile, a representative from the Clark County public defender’s office noted that Harb had no prior criminal record.
Azim told authorities that he continued to accept bets from Harb despite not placing them due to insufficient funds. Harb was led to believe he had won approximately $100,000 in bets. Azim hoped Harb would eventually lose a bet to cover his lie, but it did not happen.
The court granted each suspect $100,000 bail and prohibited them from contacting Azim.