Three men from Michigan face multiple charges linked to the kidnapping and assault of a man in Las Vegas. The incident centers on outstanding gambling debts. The defendants, Issa Hamade and Ahmad Harb, both aged 32, along with 33-year-old Sobhi Sobh, were apprehended on suspicion of several serious crimes. These charges include first-degree kidnapping, extortion, conspiracy, battery with intent to harm, robbery or grand larceny, and coercion using force or threats, as reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
During recent court procedures in Clark County, authorities described Hamade as a dentist from Dearborn, Michigan. Harb works as a disc jockey, and Sobh is employed as a physical therapist. The three allegedly convinced Naved Azim, a resident of New York, to visit a room at the MGM Grand on the famed Las Vegas Strip. This information comes from a report by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, which the newspaper cited.
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Investigators stated that Azim endured a beating, attempted strangulation, and suffocation with a pillow. The perpetrators gagged and confined him in a closet, after which they demanded $185,000 from Azim’s father, supposedly to clear gambling debts. This was reportedly owed to Harb. However, Harb communicated to investigators that the actual amount involved was $325,000.
The trio made a brief video call to Azim’s father, presenting his severely battered son on his knees. The police report quoted a message saying, “Listen, your son scammed me of 185K in fake sports bets. I want my money, period.”
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Police noted that the kidnappers started collecting photos, addresses, and contact details of Azim’s relatives and acquaintances. They threatened harm if Azim failed to repay the alleged debt.
In Wednesday’s court session, Hamade’s lawyer, Michael Troiano, claimed his client was a respectable citizen. He maintained that Azim was engaged in a fraudulent gambling operation. According to Troiano, Hamade had no involvement in the bets or conspiracy, beyond allegedly being present at the hotel room. Ryan Helmick, representing Sobh, indicated complexities in the case. Meanwhile, a Clark County public defender stated that Harb had no criminal history, per the newspaper reports.
Fox News Digital has attempted to contact the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the legal representatives for Hamade and Sobh, and the Clark County public defender’s office for further commentary.
Azim informed authorities about participating in sports bets with a “promoter/bookie,” leading to his acquaintance with Harb. At one point, Harb suggested Azim place a $2,300 wager on a New York Knicks game, which promised a $20,000 payout. Azim never made the bet but falsely claimed he did, allegedly fabricating a fake DraftKings sports betting ticket to support his lie, according to police reports.
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Despite Azim’s lack of actual wagers, Harb believed his bets amounted to a $100,000 winning streak. The authorities detailed how Azim hoped Harb would lose a bet, concealing the fabrication, but that did not happen.
All the accused received bail set at $100,000 each, with the condition of no contact with Azim.