FBI Portland Seeks Additional Victims as Woman Escapes Alleged Kidnapper's Makeshift Cell

Authorities suspect Negasi Zuberi (a.k.a. "Sakima") has assaulted victims in multiple states

Negasi Zuberi

The FBI's Portland Field Office is appealing to the public for assistance in identifying potential victims of Negasi Zuberi, also known as "Sakima," a 29-year-old man facing federal charges of interstate kidnapping and violent sexual assault. Zuberi's arrest came after a brave woman escaped his clutches, leading to the discovery of a horrific makeshift cell in Klamath Falls, Oregon.

On July 15, 2023, Zuberi allegedly kidnapped a woman in Seattle, Washington, by posing as an undercover police officer and using restraints to control her. He then subjected her to a horrifying 450-mile journey during which she was sexually assaulted. Upon reaching his home in Klamath Falls, Zuberi imprisoned her in a cinderblock cell designed with a metal door, making escape impossible from the inside.

The victim managed to break free from the cell, despite injuring her hands in the process, and was rescued by a passing motorist who contacted the authorities. Klamath Falls Police Department subsequently discovered the makeshift cell, confirming the victim's ordeal. Zuberi was later located in Reno, Nevada, and taken into custody after a brief standoff with local police.

Assistant Special Agent in Charge Stephanie Shark of the FBI Portland Field Office praised the survivor's courage and quick thinking, suggesting her escape potentially saved other women from similar nightmares. Sadly, the investigation has uncovered evidence linking Zuberi to additional violent sexual assaults in at least four states, with authorities fearing there may be more victims.

Zuberi has lived in ten different states over the past decade, raising concerns that there could be undisclosed victims in other regions. FBI investigators are actively extending their inquiry to states where Zuberi resided between August 2016 and the present, including California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Utah, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Alabama, and Nevada.

Victims may have encountered Zuberi under the name "Sakima," and it is suspected that he employed various methods to gain control over his victims, such as drugging their drinks and impersonating law enforcement. Furthermore, victims have reportedly been threatened with retaliation if they reported the crimes to the police.

The FBI urges anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Zuberi or has relevant information to come forward. Tips can be submitted at fbi.gov/ZuberiVictims or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). Additionally, individuals can contact the FBI Portland Field Office at (503) 224-4181, their local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

The FBI acknowledges the support of several partners in this ongoing investigation, including the United States Attorney's Office – District of Oregon, Klamath Falls Police Department, Oregon Department of Justice, Oregon State Police, Reno Police Department, Nevada State Police, and the FBI Las Vegas Field Office, Reno Resident Agency.

It is essential to remember that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.