Three men from Michigan are facing multiple felony charges after police say they kidnapped and assaulted a man at a Las Vegas Strip hotel in an attempt to collect on alleged gambling debts.
According to court records and police reports cited by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the incident took place inside a hotel room at the MGM Grand and involved prolonged physical violence, threats, and demands for money.
Arrests
Issa Hamade, 32, Ahmad Harb, 32, and Sobhi Sobh, 33, were arrested Wednesday and booked into the Clark County Detention Center. All three face charges including first-degree kidnapping, extortion, conspiracy, robbery or grand larceny, battery with intent to commit mayhem, and coercion with force or threats.
During court proceedings, Hamade was identified as a dentist from Dearborn, Michigan. Harb works as a disc jockey, and Sobh is a physical therapist.
Each suspect was granted bail set at $100,000 and ordered by the court to have no contact with the alleged victim.
Allegations
Police say the trio lured Naved Azim, a New York resident, to a hotel room at the MGM Grand. Once inside, Azim was allegedly beaten, strangled, gagged, suffocated with a pillow, and locked inside a closet.
Investigators said the suspects demanded money from Azim’s father to cover gambling debts they claimed Azim owed. Police reports indicate the initial demand was for $185,000, though Harb later told investigators the amount owed was closer to $325,000.
According to police, the men made a brief video call to Azim’s father, showing Azim on his knees with visible injuries.
“Listen, your son scammed me of 185K in fake sports bets. I want my money, period,” the message said, according to the police report.
Threats
Police said the suspects accessed Azim’s phone and took photographs of contact information, addresses, and locations associated with Azim’s family and friends.
Investigators allege the men threatened to harm those individuals if the money was not paid.
Gambling Dispute
Azim told authorities he became involved with Harb through sports betting arranged by a promoter or bookie. According to police, Harb asked Azim to place a $2,300 bet on a New York Knicks game that would have paid out roughly $20,000.
Azim allegedly did not place the bet but told Harb that he had, later creating a fake DraftKings betting ticket to support the claim. Police said Harb continued to place additional bets through Azim, believing he had accumulated significant winnings.
Investigators said Azim hoped future losses would cover up the deception, but those losses never occurred.
Defense Statements
During the court hearing, Hamade’s attorney, Michael Troiano, said his client was an upstanding citizen and denied involvement beyond being present in the hotel room.
“My client had absolutely zero involvement whatsoever in the bets or the conspiracy,” Troiano said in court.
Sobh’s attorney, Ryan Helmick, told the judge there were still many details to be examined. A representative for the Clark County public defender’s office said Harb has no prior criminal record.
Investigation
Fox News Digital reported it has reached out to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and attorneys for the defendants for comment. The case remains under investigation, and prosecutors have not yet announced whether additional charges may be filed.
FAQs
Who are the suspects in the case?
Three Michigan men: Issa Hamade, Ahmad Harb, and Sobhi Sobh.
Where did the alleged kidnapping occur?
Inside a hotel room at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
What was the alleged motive?
Police say it involved collecting gambling debts.
Was a ransom demand made?
Yes, police say money was demanded from the victim’s father.
What bail was set for the suspects?
Each suspect was granted $100,000 bail.
