U.S. Attorney E. Martin Estrada | U.S. Department of Justice
A federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment against Samir Ousman Alsheikh, a former Syrian government official, charging him with torture. The new charges include three counts of torture and one count of conspiracy to commit torture, in addition to previous charges of visa fraud and attempted naturalization fraud.
Alsheikh, 72, from Lexington, South Carolina, was reportedly the head of Damascus Central Prison, known as Adra Prison, between 2005 and 2008. During his tenure, he allegedly ordered subordinates to inflict severe physical and mental pain on prisoners and was sometimes personally involved in these acts.
United States Attorney Martin Estrada stated: "The allegations in this superseding indictment of grave human rights abuses are chilling. Our country will not be a safe harbor for those accused of committing atrocities abroad."
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri added: "Samir Alsheikh is charged with torturing political dissidents and other prisoners to deter opposition to the regime of then-Syrian President Bashar al-Assad." She further alleged that Alsheikh lied about his past crimes to obtain a U.S. green card.
Alsheikh held various positions within the Syrian police and state security apparatus before being appointed governor of Deir Ez-Zour province by President Bashar al-Assad in 2011. He immigrated to the United States in 2020 and applied for citizenship in 2023.
Special Agent Eddy Wang from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) commented: "Almost 20 years ago, the defendant was accused of torturing prisoners in Syria and today we are one step closer to holding him accountable for those heinous crimes."
Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough from the FBI's Criminal Investigative Division remarked: "The allegations in this superseding indictment reveal unconscionable crimes and a clear violation of human rights."
If convicted, Alsheikh could face up to 20 years for each charge related to torture and conspiracy, along with additional penalties for immigration fraud charges.
The investigation is led by HSI and the FBI with international support from authorities including Swedish Police Authority; Royal Canadian Mounted Police – Federal Policing; Pacific Region; and Belgian authorities.
Prosecutors handling the case include Assistant United States Attorney Joshua O. Mausner along with Justice Department Trial Attorneys Patrick Jasperse and Alexandra Skinnion.
Members of the public with information on human rights violators can contact U.S. law enforcement through established tip lines or online forms provided by the FBI or ICE.
