GRIMY TIMES EXCLUSIVE: Three San Diego residents, Salam Razuki, Sylvia Gonzales, and Elizabeth Juarez, were handed down stiff prison sentences yesterday for their involvement in a chilling conspiracy to kidnap a former business associate. The trio faced up to life in prison for plotting to abduct the victim and take him to Mexico with intent to intimidate or murder.
According to federal prosecutors, the defendants admitted to their sinister scheme during their guilty pleas last November. Their motive was rooted in ongoing business disputes and civil litigation against Razuki, which could have resulted in substantial monetary judgments. The plan was to have the victim ‘disappear’ in Mexico, whether through intimidation or worse.
However, the plot was thwarted when the intended kidnapper, after being solicited and paid by the defendants, contacted the FBI. This led to a series of recorded planning meetings that resulted in the timely arrest of all three conspirators.
Judge Cathy Ann Bencivengo emphasized the gravity of their crime, noting that their plan was to ‘bring [the victim] to Mexico to disappear, whether that meant leaving him there or anticipating him being killed there.’
U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman praised the quick action and cooperation in this case. ‘Fortunately, due to a tip from a conscientious citizen,’ he said, ‘this cold, calculated, and terrifying plan was thwarted. The justice system has held all perpetrators accountable.’
Stacey Moy, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Diego Field Office, echoed Grossman’s sentiment, emphasizing the collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety and bring criminals to justice.
Salam Razuki, age 53, Sylvia Gonzales, age 53, and Elizabeth Juarez, age 42, all face long prison terms. Their case number is 18-cr-05260-CAB. This sentence comes as a result of the Violent Crime and Human Trafficking (VCHT) Section’s ongoing efforts to investigate and prosecute violent crimes.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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