SOMALI PIRATE Leader Sentenced: Justice for American Hostage
— Abdi Yusuf Hassan, a naturalized U.S. citizen, was arrested in Minneapolis in 2019 for his role in the 2012 kidnapping of journalist Michael Scott Moore. The Somali pirate gang, led by Hassan, held Moore captive for 977 days in Somalia. Hassan and Somali citizen Mohamed Tahil Mohamed were convicted and sentenced to 30 years each for hostage-taking and terrorism charges.
During Moore’s captivity, he suffered severe abuse including beatings and threats with firearms. His release came after his family paid a $1.6 million ransom in 2014. Prosecutors highlighted Hassan’s significant role as both a leader of the pirates and as Minister of Interior for Galmudug province during the crime.
Hassan exploited his government position to facilitate the criminal activities of the pirate gang from his own home. U.S Attorney Damian Williams emphasized that this case underscores America’s commitment to holding those accountable who harm American citizens abroad. The sentences reflect a strong stance against international hostage-taking crimes involving U.S citizens.