UFC Star Khusein Askhabov Arrested In Thailand On Counts Of Kidnapping, Torture & Extortion
The world of mixed martial arts was recently rocked by shocking news involving Russian UFC featherweight Khusein Askhabov. The fighter, boasting a professional MMA record of 23-1, has found himself in hot water after being arrested in Thailand in connection with a horrifying incident of kidnapping and torture. This incident not only has serious legal consequences for Askhabov but also casts a shadow over his promising MMA career.
The Kidnap and Torture Incident
The distressing event unfolded on Sunday, September 3, in the tranquil setting of Phuket, Thailand. Three Kazakh men, including Askhabov’s twin brother Khasan, are alleged to have forcibly entered a villa at a resort in Cherng Talay. Their target was an Italian man, who was subjected to a nightmarish ordeal that included being bound, gagged, and brutally beaten. The motive behind this terrifying act was to extract information from the victim.
The ordeal culminated with the assailants fleeing the scene and absconding with stolen goods worth approximately 12 million Thai baht, equivalent to $338,038. The stolen items included luxury watches from Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Graff, as well as personal belongings like a MacBook, two iPhones, and a pair of sunglasses. Additionally, the victim had his passport and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank debit card taken, along with crucial passwords to access safes, phones, and computers. The three Kazakh individuals further drained €40,000 ($43,000) from the safe and an additional €16,000 ($17,200) using the stolen debit card.
Terrifying Escape
The victim’s harrowing ordeal only ended when he managed to escape the clutches of his tormentors. CCTV images obtained later revealed the Italian man rolling down a path at the resort the following day, finally free from his nightmarish captivity.
The legal ramifications
While this incident has yet to be officially addressed by Phuket authorities, it comes on the heels of a press conference held by local police concerning an uptick in Russian criminal activity in the area. While the motive behind this horrifying act remains unclear, it is believed that Askhabov’s connection to the incident is the key reason for his arrest.
The Italian victim, who did not recognise the three Kazakh assailants, has reported being acquainted with the Askhabov brothers. Their precise involvement in the incident and the specific charges they face remain undisclosed. However, they have been taken into custody for “the act of robbery done with cruelty to the extent that others receive it and endangering the body or mind through torture.”
Khusein Askhabov’s MMA career
Khusein Askhabov made his mark in the UFC with an impressive professional record of 23 wins and just one loss. While he may not be a household name in North America, he enjoys significant popularity in his home country, boasting over five million followers on Instagram. However, his undefeated record before joining the UFC raised questions about its legitimacy.
Askhabov’s career in the UFC kicked off in February, and he fought his debut match against Jamall Emmers, which resulted in a loss. He was scheduled to return to the octagon at the upcoming UFC Fight Night event in Las Vegas on October 7, which now hangs in the balance due to his arrest.
The arrest of Khusein Askhabov, a rising star in the UFC, in connection with a horrific kidnapping and torture incident in Thailand has sent shockwaves through the MMA community. The details surrounding his involvement and the charges he faces are yet to be revealed, leaving his promising career in limbo. As the legal proceedings unfold, the world will watch closely to see the consequences this has on Askhabov’s future in mixed martial arts. This disturbing incident serves as a stark reminder that even within the world of combat sports, actions outside the octagon can have severe repercussions.
