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Lebanese Mafia Brothers Arrested over Berlin Kidnapping Plot

Police patrol in Berlin, Germany, May 24, 2017. REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer
Police patrol in Berlin, Germany, May 24, 2017. REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer
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Lebanese Mafia Brothers Arrested over Berlin Kidnapping Plot

Police patrol in Berlin, Germany, May 24, 2017. REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer
Police patrol in Berlin, Germany, May 24, 2017. REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer

The younger brother of one of Berlin's most notorious Arab mafia bosses has been arrested in Denmark on suspicion of plotting to kidnap the children of a famous rapper.

German authorities are now seeking the extradition of 37-year-old Yasser Abou-Chaker, who is of Lebanese descent.

His elder brother and clan boss Arafat Abou-Chaker, 42, was arrested in Berlin last week.

Both suspects have been accused of plotting to abduct the children of German-Tunisian rapper and former business partner Bushido.

According to investigators, the brothers had been actively looking for people ready to carry out the kidnapping. This was apparently to be an act of revenge after Bushido cut ties with the Abou-Chakers in March last year.

Bushido is currently under police protection. Another rapper, Capital Bra who was signed to Bushido's label, this week angrily accused his boss of working "intensively" with the police and left the label.

The Abou-Chaker clan is among 10 Lebanese families involved in organized crime in Berlin and put under police surveillance.

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Photos Show a Filipino Couple Walking Down a Flooded Aisle on Their Wedding Day

Newlyweds Jade Rick Verdillo right, and Jamaica walk hand in hand during their wedding at the flooded Barasoain church in Malolos, Bulacan province, Philippines on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
Newlyweds Jade Rick Verdillo right, and Jamaica walk hand in hand during their wedding at the flooded Barasoain church in Malolos, Bulacan province, Philippines on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
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Photos Show a Filipino Couple Walking Down a Flooded Aisle on Their Wedding Day

Newlyweds Jade Rick Verdillo right, and Jamaica walk hand in hand during their wedding at the flooded Barasoain church in Malolos, Bulacan province, Philippines on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
Newlyweds Jade Rick Verdillo right, and Jamaica walk hand in hand during their wedding at the flooded Barasoain church in Malolos, Bulacan province, Philippines on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

Jade Rick Verdillo and Jamaica Aguilar were determined to walk down the aisle on their wedding day. Even if it meant walking down a flooded one.

On Tuesday, the Barasoain church in Malolos, Bulacan province, Philippines flooded due to heavy rain. Typhoon Whipa had intensified seasonal monsoon rains in the Philippines, bringing widespread flooding.

The couple anticipated the risk of flooding, but instead of letting the weather dampen the mood, they decided to push through, as all marriages have their challenges.

“We just mustered enough courage,” said Verdillo. “We decided today because it is a sacrifice in itself. But there will more sacrifices if we don’t push through today.”

Aguilar waded down the aisle with her white dress and wedding train floating behind her through waters almost up to her knees. At the altar, Verdillo was waiting to receive her while wearing an embroidered shirt called a Barong Tagalog, worn during special occasions.

The newlyweds have been together for 10 years. The groom said, “I feel that challenges won’t be over. It’s just a test. This is just one of the struggles that we’ve overcome.”

Despite the turbulent weather, some family and friends made it to the wedding.

“You will see love prevailed because even against weather, storm, rains, floods, the wedding continued,” said Jiggo Santos, a wedding guest. “It’s an extraordinary wedding.”