Mohamed Abdi Hassan, known as Afweyne, was described by the United Nations as one of the most notorious leaders of Somali piracy networks during the height of Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean hijackings around 2008-2012, including the 2009 hijacking of the Belgian vessel Pompei. He publicly announced his retirement from piracy in 2013 to advocate against it, but was lured to Belgium and arrested. A Belgian court convicted and sentenced him to 20 years in prison in 2016.
Quick Facts
| Real Name | Mohamed Abdi Hassan |
|---|---|
| Aliases | Afweyne (Big Mouth) |
| Born | 1958 (reported) |
| Nationality | Somali |
| Years Active | c. 2008-2013 |
| Fate | Arrested in a Belgian sting operation in 2013 after announcing his retirement from piracy; convicted in absentia and sentenced to 20 years in prison by a Belgian court in 2016 |
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