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Dentist, DJ and physical therapist accused of kidnapping deadbeat gambler at a Las Vegas hotel
Investigators claim the men then demanded $185,000 from the victim's father over alleged gambling debts and threatened to harm family members if the money was not paid
The trio could face life in prison if convicted
Three Michigan men have been charged with the violent kidnapping of a man at a Las Vegas hotel who allegedly owed gambling debts.
Issa Hamade and Ahmad Harb, both 32, and Sobhi Sobh, 33, were arrested Wednesday on suspicion of first-degree kidnapping, extortion, conspiracy, battery with intent to commit mayhem, robbery or grand larceny, and coercion with force or threats. The Las Vegas Review Journal first broke this story on Friday.
Hamade was identified as a dentist with a practice based out Livonia, MI. Habb is identified as a DJ while Sobh is employed as a physical therapist.
The case reportedly stems from fake sports bets that authorities say spiraled into a violent extortion and kidnapping scheme on the Las Vegas Strip.
Police say the three men lured the victim, identified as Naved Azim, a New York resident, to a hotel room at the MGM Grand on the Las Vegas Strip where he was allegedly beaten, strangled, gagged and stuffed into a closet.
Investigators claim the men then demanded $185,000 from the victim's father over alleged gambling debts and threatened to harm family members if the money was not paid.
A short video call was made to Azim's father to show him his badly beaten son on his knees, the report states.
"Listen, your son scammed me of 185K in fake sports bets. I want my money, period," the message said, according to police.
All three men are facing multiple felony charges, including kidnapping, extortion, conspiracy and battery with intent to commit mayhem.
Hamade risks having his dental license suspended if convicted.
Under the authority of the Michigan Board of Dentistry and the state's professional licensing laws, a felony conviction—especially for a violent crime such as kidnapping—can be grounds for disciplinary action including: License suspension and/or revocation or probation with restrictions.
That's probably the least of his worries.
Under Nevada law, first-degree kidnapping is among the state's most serious felonies. If convicted, all three men face life sentences.
- Nagesh Rath, Gambling911.com
