Seven men from Massachusetts have been indicted on charges of conspiring to kidnap and torture a man earlier this year, in what prosecutors are calling a “barbaric” case of violence and extortion. According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, the defendants, including Brian Cardoso, Marcus Castaldi, Melvin Coleman, Anthony Lima, and Samuel Alouidor, face charges of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and obstruction of justice.
The case, which unfolded on February 27, involved the assailants allegedly masking their faces to kidnap the victim at gunpoint outside his home in Quincy. They are accused of driving the victim to a garage in Saugus, where they then to beat, burned, and tortured him while demanding ransom. The ordeal included videocalls to the victim’s contacts, showcasing the torture to extort money. The group reportedly secured about $22,000 in cash and valuables before releasing the victim.
“The conduct alleged in this case is nothing short of barbaric,” said U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley on the U.S. Attorney’s Office website. “These defendants allegedly inflicted unimaginable suffering not only on the victim but also on his loved ones.” Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Ted E. Docks also commented on the case, emphasizing the importance of bringing the accused to justice and eradicating the drivers of violent crime in communities…