Federal Jury Convicted Brooklyn Man in Kidnapping Case
Abu Chowdhury was found guilty of six counts related to the abduction and torture of three separate individuals.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Financial Crime
A federal jury in Brooklyn convicted 36-year-old Abu Chowdhury of three counts of kidnapping and three counts of kidnapping conspiracy. The conviction follows a series of violent abductions carried out against three men in Queens.
Why it matters
The case highlights the severe consequences for violent criminal enterprises operating within local communities. Chowdhury targeted victims in a campaign of intimidation he claimed was intended to protect his honor and assert dominance.
A federal jury convicted 36-year-old Abu Chowdhury on six total counts of kidnapping and conspiracy. Seven other crew members associated with the defendant have previously been convicted or pleaded guilty to federal charges.
The players
Abu Chowdhury
He is a 36-year-old man who operated a supermarket in Hollis and led a criminal crew that targeted individuals.
Mubarak Dewan
He was the first victim kidnapped by the group in an abduction that lasted approximately 13 hours.
Mazharul Islam
He was the third victim abducted by the crew, for whom the captors demanded a $20,000 ransom from his father.
The details
Victims were lured or forced into vehicles before being restrained, drugged, and beaten with rods and knives. The captors held victims in locations including a Queens hotel and an abandoned home, at one point demanding a $20,000 ransom for one of the men.
Timeline
The first kidnapping of Mubarak Dewan occurred in March 2023.
A second victim was lured and beaten on May 10, 2023.
Mazharul Islam was abducted by the group on May 11, 2023.
Chowdhury was indicted on six counts of kidnapping in January 2024.
A federal jury convicted Chowdhury on September 24, 2026.
Legal Context
This case follows the established pattern seen in the prosecution of organized street-level criminal enterprises in New York City. The successful conviction reflects a broader ongoing effort by federal authorities to dismantle violent local crews through multi-defendant indictments.
The conviction brings a close to a violent series of abductions that had created significant safety concerns in Queens. Residents and local business owners in the affected neighborhoods may experience increased clarity following the removal of these key figures from the community.
The takeaway
The dismantling of this criminal group demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated federal investigations into local organized violence. Victims and community members are encouraged to report threats to law enforcement to prevent escalation of intimidation tactics.
Further reading
For more on how authorities track and prosecute complex illegal operations, see the Financial Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The New York Times.
