Federal kidnapping charges filed against four Houston-area Uber drivers

Federal prosecutors announced on Jan. 15 that four Uber drivers have been charged with kidnapping in a series of incidents across the Houston area, marking what officials described as the first federal kidnapping charges of their kind. U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei made the announcement at a midday news conference joined by representatives from FBI Houston, the Houston Police Department, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.

Court documents identify the defendants as Cesar Martell, Barney Steve Flores, Janaka Manatunga and Abdou Mbacke. Prosecutors say the alleged crimes span from 2021 through 2025 and involve victims who were lured into rides, then confined or taken to other locations and sexually assaulted. Three of the four accused drivers are in custody; Abdou Mbacke remains at large and is also wanted on a state charge.

The investigation and federal charges elevate the cases beyond routine local prosecutions, reflecting coordinated work among federal and local law enforcement. Authorities urged anyone who believes they may be a victim or who has information about the defendants to contact law enforcement at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit tips at tips.fbi.gov. An Uber spokesperson said the company immediately banned the drivers involved when made aware of the allegations and is cooperating with investigators.

The allegations have particular resonance for Harris County residents who rely on rideshare services for commutes, nights out and last-mile travel. The timeline of incidents across multiple years suggests an alleged pattern of abuse that could affect trust in app-based transportation among late-night riders, shift workers and others who depend on rideshare flexibility.

Practical steps riders can take now include verifying the driver’s name, photo and license plate displayed in the app before entering a vehicle; sharing trip status with family or friends; preferring rear-seat riding when alone; and reporting any suspicious behavior to 911 immediately. Community groups and neighborhood leaders may also press companies and regulators for improved safety measures and faster verification processes.

Federal prosecution could mean higher penalties and broader investigative tools than state-only cases, and the involvement of multiple agencies signals continued follow-up activity in the Houston area. With one suspect still at large, investigators say additional information from the public could be critical to locating him and to helping other possible victims come forward.

For Harris County residents, the case underscores both the risks some commuters face and the importance of swift reporting. Expect continued updates as authorities pursue charges, follow leads and provide additional guidance to the community.