DOJ: Two U.S. citizens used Minnesota as base for overseas kidnappings and bombings
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

A federal grand jury in Minnesota has indicted two naturalized U.S. citizens from the Republic of Cameroon, alleging they orchestrated kidnappings, bombings and killings in their native country.

Benedict Nwana Kuah, 51, and Pascal Kikishy Wongbi, 52, were arrested Friday morning in the District of Minnesota and face additional charges of conspiracy to kill, kidnap, maim and injure persons abroad, conspiracy to provide material support or resources, and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, according to the Department of Justice.

Kuah is also charged with three counts of providing material support or resources, conspiracy to commit hostage-taking and conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction outside the U.S.

The men made their initial appearances and are being held in custody pending detention hearings scheduled for Sept. 10 and 11.

A Cameroon trooper, right, stands next to an ambulance that was used to carry victims of a train that crashed on Friday in Eseka, Cameroon, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016. Rescue workers dug through the rubble Saturday in search of more injured and dead after a train traveling between two major cities in Cameroon derailed in Eseka, killing scores of people according to rescue workers and hospital staff.

The alleged attacks happened in Cameroon, a country in Central Africa. (The Associated Press)

If convicted, the men face a statutory maximum penalty of life in prison.

Matthew Galeotti, acting assistant attorney general of the DOJ’s Criminal Division, said the pair used the U.S. as a base of operations to “cause death, terror, and suffering among innocent civilians.”

Joseph Thompson, acting U.S. attorney for the District of Minnesota, added the state “is not a launchpad” for overseas violence.

“Operating from the comfort of their living rooms in Minnesota, these defendants caused violence and suffering half a world away,” Thompson wrote in a statement. “They ordered kidnappings, bombings, and murders. Their crimes are an affront to both American law and basic human decency. Cameroon is a safer place because of this prosecution.” 

The Department of Justice did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Stories Matter Foundation's Write Where You Are fellowship offers writers the tools to share their diverse stories

Empowering Diverse Voices: Stories Matter Foundation Launches ‘Write Where You Are’ Fellowship for Aspiring Writers

The Chicago-based nonprofit, Stories Matter Foundation, is thrilled to unveil its first-ever…
TV anchor caught on tape caving to Trump as he issues two-word warning

TV Anchor’s Startling Reaction to Trump’s Bold Two-Word Ultimatum Caught on Camera

According to a recent report, CBS Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil found…
Rams-Bears game Sunday: Bears fan rally held downtown Chicago Saturday as NFL divisional round weekend kicks off

Chicago Bears Fans Ignite Downtown Rally Ahead of Epic Rams Showdown

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago is buzzing with excitement as Bears fans gear…
Dem running California Governor vows to strip ICE driver's licenses

California Governor Candidate Pledges to Revoke ICE Access to Driver’s Licenses

In a bold move during his campaign for California governor, Democratic Congressman…
Trump announces escalating tariffs on Denmark and other European nations to force Greenland purchase deal

Trump’s Tariff Tactics: Pressuring Denmark and Europe in Greenland Acquisition Quest

President Donald Trump has declared that the United States will implement a…
FAA warns about flying in Central, South America and eastern Pacific, citing possible ‘military activities’

FAA Issues Urgent Alert: Potential Military Activities Disrupting Air Travel in Central and South America

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a cautionary alert to pilots…
Megyn Kelly slams Timothy Busfield's wife for promoting brand

Megyn Kelly Criticizes Timothy Busfield’s Wife Over Controversial Brand Promotion: A Social Media Showdown

Megyn Kelly criticized Timothy Busfield’s wife for continuing to promote her lifestyle…
Dozens of dogs killed in fire at home of ‘breeder’ in Washington state, firefighters rescue 3 from flames

Tragic Blaze in Washington: Dozens of Dogs Perish, Breeder’s Home Devastated – Firefighters Heroically Save 3

In a tragic incident in Washington State, approximately 40 dogs perished in…