Former Syrian Prison Warden Sentenced to 60 Years for Torture and Immigration Fraud

Samir Ousman Alsheikh, a former warden of Syria's Adra Prison and provincial governor, was sentenced to 60 years in prison for torture and immigration fraud. USCIS assisted in the investigation that led to his conviction.

Key points

• A jury found Alsheikh guilty in March 2026 of conspiracy to commit torture, three counts of torture, visa fraud, and attempted naturalization fraud.
• As head of Adra Prison near Damascus from 2005 to 2008, he ordered and participated in the torture of prisoners, including political dissidents.
• Trial testimony described victims being suspended on a device called the 'Flying Carpet,' beaten inside tires, and held in filthy, insect-infested cells.
• Alsheikh lied about his background to U.S. immigration authorities to obtain a Green Card and later to apply for naturalization after entering the U.S. in 2020.
• The case was investigated by ICE Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI, with support from the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center and USCIS.

Who is affected

The case concerns U.S. immigration authorities, prosecutors, and the public reporting on accountability for human rights abusers who obtained U.S. immigration benefits through fraud.

What to do