Four Uber drivers are facing charges related to kidnapping and attempted sexual assaults on passengers in a series of alarming incidents. Three of the accused individuals, namely Barney Flores, aged 35, Cesar Martell, aged 32, and Janake Manatunga, aged 57, are scheduled to appear in a Houston, Texas court on federal charges. The fourth driver, Abdou Mbacke, aged 42, has fled the country to evade prosecution.
One of the drivers, Mbacke, is accused of an incident where a woman alleged that she blacked out in his taxi and woke up undressed in a motel room next to him. The FBI suspects there may be additional victims and is encouraging anyone with relevant information to come forward.
In December 2023, Mbacke reportedly diverted a 22-year-old passenger to a motel after she became intoxicated in his vehicle. Upon regaining consciousness, the woman found herself unclothed in bed with Mbacke beside her, who promptly left when she questioned him. Uber promptly suspended Mbacke’s account following the woman’s report, and he subsequently absconded the country.
Janaka Manatunga is accused of trying to sexually assault an inebriated female passenger by locking her in his car. Following a complaint, Uber terminated its association with Manatunga.
Cesar Martell was apprehended in January 2024 after DNA evidence linked him to a 2021 assault. He now faces multiple charges of kidnapping and sexual assault based on multiple victims coming forward. In a June 2021 incident, Martell allegedly took a woman to a gas station where he attempted assault and strangulation before she managed to escape. Another incident in May 2023 involved Martell persuading a victim to book a ride off the Uber app to evade detection, subsequently leading to a kidnapping and sexual assault.
Uber acted swiftly upon learning of Martell’s alleged actions, removing him from their platform and notifying law enforcement. Barney Flores stands accused of confining a passenger in his vehicle and trying to sexually assault her, persisting in driving until the passenger escaped and reported the incident to the authorities.
During a press conference, FBI Houston Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Ryan Whalen, cautioned ride-hailing drivers that they face imprisonment for crimes against passengers. He introduced Operation Lighthouse, aimed at combatting sexual assault on rideshare passengers, promising stringent enforcement of the law.
An Uber spokesperson responded to the allegations, condemning sexual assault and kidnapping as abhorrent crimes not tolerated on their platform. They emphasized their commitment to safety, including a dedicated team for investigations, collaboration with law enforcement, and rapid response to safety concerns.