Four Uber drivers have been hit with federal charges following a string of alleged kidnappings and attempted sexual assaults on female passengers in Houston, Texas, in what authorities have described as a 'horrific' series of attacks.
Details of the Alleged Attacks
Uber confirmed it immediately banned all four drivers and removed their access to the app after learning of the allegations. Three of the men are now set to face court, while a fourth is believed to have fled the United States.
The accused are Barney Flores, 35, Cesar Martell, 32, Janake Manatunga, 57, and Abdou Mbacke, 42. Mbacke is alleged to have picked up a 22-year-old woman in December 2023 while she was intoxicated. Instead of taking her to her destination, he allegedly drove her to a motel. The woman reported waking up hours later, naked in a bed next to him. Uber banned his account the same day she reported the incident, and Mbacke has not been seen since booking a one-way flight out of the US on July 24 last year.
Janaka Manatunga is accused of locking a drunk female passenger in his car and attempting to sexually assault her. Cesar Martell was arrested in January 2024 after DNA evidence linked him to a 2021 attack. He faces multiple charges after several women came forward. In one incident in June 2021, he allegedly drove a victim to a petrol station, tried to sexually assault and strangle her before she escaped. In May 2023, he is said to have told another victim to book a ride outside the Uber app to avoid logging, before kidnapping and assaulting her.
Barney Flores allegedly locked a passenger in his vehicle and attempted to sexually assault her, reportedly continuing to drive until she managed to escape and contact police.
FBI Launches 'Operation Lighthouse'
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is now leading a probe into the cases and believes there may be more victims. In a stark warning to other ride-hailing drivers, FBI Houston Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Ryan Whalen, stated: "We will find you. We will arrest you, and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law."
The warning came as the FBI launched Operation Lighthouse, a new initiative specifically aimed at combating the sexual assault of rideshare passengers.
Uber's Response and Safety Pledge
In response to the allegations, an Uber spokesperson stated: "Sexual assault and kidnapping are horrific crimes that have no place in our society or on the Uber platform. When we became aware of these allegations, we immediately banned the drivers involved."
The company emphasised its 24/7 safety team, which includes former law enforcement, and confirmed it is cooperating fully with federal prosecutors. Uber reiterated its commitment to investing in safety features and taking swift action on serious reports.
The FBI is urging anyone with information or who believes they may have been a victim to come forward as the investigation continues.
