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Pirates Abdi Yusuf Hassan, 56, and Mohamed Tahlil Mohamed, 43, have each been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for their roles in the harrowing captivity of American journalist Michael Scott Moore. Held hostage for 977 days between 2012 and 2014, Moore endured violence, threats, and deprivation under the pirates’ control.
The sentencing, handed down in a New York federal court, followed a February 2023 conviction on charges of hostage-taking, terrorism, and weapons offenses. Prosecutors detailed the men’s abuse of official positions in Somalia to orchestrate the crime.
Kidnapping and Hostage Conditions
Moore, a freelance journalist researching Somali piracy, was abducted in January 2012 while traveling near Galkayo, Somalia. He was assaulted, transported to secluded locations, and later held aboard a hijacked ship. Conditions were dire: he was chained at night, subjected to psychological torment, and forced to appear in proof-of-life videos demanding ransom from his family.
Over the years, Moore was moved between locations, surrounded by armed guards and denied consistent access to the outside world. Despite threats and intimidation, he survived until his eventual release in September 2014, following a ransom payment.
Role of Hassan and Mohamed
Hassan, a naturalized U.S. citizen and former Somali government official, abused his role as the Minister of Interior in Galmudug Province to lead ransom negotiations. His home served as a pirate operations hub, and he directly participated in the production of proof-of-life videos.
Mohamed, a Somali army officer, leveraged his military experience to serve as the pirates’ security head and weapons supplier. He oversaw the movement of Moore and maintained the gang’s heavy weaponry, including grenade launchers and machine guns.
International Cooperation in Justice
The U.S. Department of Justice, FBI, and State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service played pivotal roles in ensuring the prosecution of Hassan and Mohamed. Collaboration with Somali authorities and international efforts brought the pair to justice, highlighting the global commitment to combat terrorism and piracy.
Officials’ Statements
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen praised the conviction as a message to transnational criminals: “Justice will be pursued relentlessly.” U.S. Attorney Damian Williams emphasized the resilience of Moore and his family, stating, “These sentences reflect the severity of crimes that aim to terrorize and exploit for financial gain.”
Continued Efforts Against Piracy
The case underscores the ongoing dangers of Somali piracy and its intersection with terrorism. While global efforts have reduced such incidents, the threat remains, particularly for journalists and aid workers in volatile regions.