Three Michigan men charged in Las Vegas hotel kidnapping over gambling debts

Three Michigan men face kidnapping and extortion charges after authorities say they abducted a New York man at a Las Vegas hotel over unpaid gambling debts.

Issa Hamade and Ahmad Harb, both 32, and Sobhi Sobh, 33, were arrested Wednesday on suspicion of first-degree kidnapping, extortion, conspiracy, battery with intent to commit mayhem, robbery or grand larceny, and coercion with force or threats, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.

In Clark County court, Hamade was identified as a dentist from Dearborn, Michigan. Harb works as a disc jockey and Sobh works as a physical therapist.

Police say the three men lured Naved Azim to a room at the MGM Grand on the Las Vegas Strip. Azim was beaten, strangled, suffocated with a pillow, gagged and placed in a closet, according to a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department report.

The men demanded $185,000 from Azim's father to cover gambling debts owed to Harb. Harb later told investigators the amount owed was $325,000.

A short video call was placed to Azim's father showing his beaten son on his knees. "Listen, your son scammed me of 185K in fake sports bets. I want my money, period," the message said, according to police.

Police said the men took photos of locations, contact information and addresses of Azim's family and friends and threatened to harm them if the debt was not paid.

Hamade's attorney, Michael Troiano, told the court that his client had no involvement in the bets or the alleged conspiracy and was only in the hotel room. Sobh's attorney, Ryan Helmick, said more facts would emerge. A representative of the Clark County public defender's office said Harb has no criminal record.

Azim told police he made sports bets with a promoter and bookie and later met Harb. Harb asked Azim to place a $2,300 bet on a New York Knicks game that paid $20,000. Azim never placed the bet but showed Harb a fake DraftKings ticket.

Harb continued to place bets with Azim, who lacked funds to make the wagers. Harb believed he had won up to $100,000, police said.

Each of the three suspects was granted $100,000 bail and ordered to have no contact with Azim.