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.



Turki Alalshikh Honored as ‘Most Influential Personality of the Decade’ at MENA Effie Awards

Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

Turki Alalshikh Honored as ‘Most Influential Personality of the Decade’ at MENA Effie Awards

Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (Asharq Al-Awsat)

In a landmark global achievement, Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, was named the “Most Influential Personality of the Decade” during the MENA Effie Awards ceremony.

Theprestigious honor recognizes his transformative contributions to the Kingdom’s entertainment sector and his pivotal role in its development and international prominence.

The MENA Effie Awards, renowned for celebrating impact and creativity across the Middle East and North Africa, distinguishes individuals whose efforts have delivered exceptional and lasting contributions over the past decade.

Alalshikh’s recognition underscores his status as one of the most influential figures in global entertainment and reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing impact on the international cultural and entertainment landscape.

Under his leadership, the General Entertainment Authority has played a key role in enhancing the quality of life in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. His efforts have established a world-class entertainment ecosystem, bolstering the national economy and fostering sustainable development.

Since the launch of Riyadh Season 2024 in October, spearheaded by Alalshikh, the event has attracted unprecedented global attention. In less than a month, approximately 6 million visitors attended, showcasing the event’s extraordinary appeal to both local and international audiences.

The season features thousands of events, ranging from concerts and art exhibitions to theater performances and family-friendly activities. Riyadh Season 2024 includes five main zones—Boulevard World, Kingdom Arena, Boulevard City, The Venue, and Al-Suwaidi Park—each offering a distinctive and immersive experience.

During its opening week, the season set a record with 2 million visitors, highlighting the public’s enthusiasm for this eagerly awaited event.