Federal Prosecutors Announce Kidnapping Charges Against Uber Drivers
Federal prosecutors have announced kidnapping charges against four Uber drivers who allegedly posed as trusted rideshare drivers to kidnap and sexually assault passengers across the Houston area. The charges were announced by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei during a news conference alongside officials from the FBI Houston, the Houston Police Department, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.
The Accused Drivers
The defendants have been identified as Cesar Martell, Barney Steve Flores, Janaka Manatunga, and Abdou Mbacke. All four are accused of using Uber accounts to lure victims into their vehicles before kidnapping them for the purpose of sexual assault. The federal kidnapping charges against rideshare drivers are the first of their kind, officials said.
Allegations Against Each Driver
Court documents allege that Mbacke accepted a ride request in December 2023 near the North Sam Houston Parkway area, then drove the 22-year-old victim to a motel along FM 1960 instead of her intended destination. She lost consciousness in the Uber due to alcohol consumption and later reported waking up in the motel room next to Mbacke with her clothing removed.
Prosecutors allege that Martell was involved in two separate incidents. In June 2021, he allegedly drove a woman to an abandoned gas station near McCarty Street where he attempted to sexually assault and strangle her before she escaped. In May 2023, investigators say he persuaded another victim to contact him outside the Uber app for a cheaper ride, then kidnapped and sexually assaulted her after pulling over near Lockwood Street.
Manatunga is accused of assaulting a woman in April 2025 after driving her to a parking garage in The Woodlands. According to court filings, he prevented her from closing her car door and confined her while attempting to sexually assault her. His Uber account was later terminated.
Flores is charged in connection with a May 2025 incident in which he allegedly confined a passenger in his car near Wheeler Street, attempted to sexually assault her in the back seat, and continued driving with the victim still inside. She later escaped and reported the crime.
Investigation and Arrests
Federal authorities confirmed that three of the four accused Uber drivers are now in custody, while Mbacke remains on the run. Mbacke has also been wanted on a state charge since October. Officials would not discuss where they believe he may be located or details of the manhunt, calling it an active investigation.
Response from Uber
An Uber spokesperson sent a statement saying that sexual assault and kidnapping are horrific crimes that have no place in society or on the Uber platform. When they became aware of these allegations, they immediately banned the drivers involved and removed their access to the app. They have a dedicated global team, including former law enforcement professionals, available 24/7 to assist with active investigations.
Call to Action
The FBI urged anyone who believes they may be a victim to contact law enforcement at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit tips at tips.fbi.gov.
Conclusion
The announcement of kidnapping charges against these Uber drivers highlights the importance of safety and vigilance when using rideshare services. It is crucial for passengers to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. The cooperation between law enforcement agencies and Uber is a step in the right direction towards ensuring the safety of passengers. As the investigation continues, it is essential for the community to come together to support the victims and prevent such crimes from happening in the future.
