LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — A man was convicted in federal court of conspiring to commit kidnapping and murder-for-hire, targeting a victim and his minor son.
Fnu John Sadiqullah was convicted of both counts following a five-day trial. The U.S. Attorneys office stated in a press release that Sadiqullah believed the victim owed him tens of thousands of dollars. After repeated attempts to try to get his money back, through persistent visits to the victim’s place of business, Sadiqullah contacted Mahmoud Shalash to help him get his money back. Shalash had been working with a confidential human source, for whom Shalash had laundered approximately $100,000.
Shalash introduced the confidential source to Sadiqullah as an individual who could collect debts, by any means necessary. Testimony showed that Sadiqullah and the source agreed to kidnap the victim or his son; attempt to retrieve the money; and then, if necessary, kill the victim. Three days later, when Sadiqullah learned that the victim was in Lexington, he, along with other friends, cornered the victim at his place of business and called the confidential source to carry out the plan.
The confidential source turned out to be an FBI informant. After he reported the incident to authorities, the victim and his son were taken into protective custody.
Sadiqullah will be sentenced on June 11, 2020. He faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
