Above: Sam Tabaja in 1997 (left) and an age-progressed image to 13, circa 2007 (right)

Sam Ali Tabaja

Last seen in Ferndale, Michigan on January 10, 1997

Vital statistics: White male. Born on April 27, 1994. Sandy brown hair, blue eyes. Was two at the time.

NCIC number: M-991924727

Circumstances: He was abducted by his non-custodial father, Ali Ibrahim Tabaja. A photo and vital statistics are posted below. His mother, Zohra Abbiss Tabaja, had custody of him and his father had weekend visitation rights. During the weekend of January 10, Ali took Sam for the weekend visitation and never returned him. Instead he and the child took a plane to Beiruit, Lebanon, where Ali renounced his United States citizenship. A warrant for international parental kidnapping was issued for his arrest on February 19, 1997.


Above: Ali Tabaja in 1997

Vital statistics: White male. Born on January 12, 1970. Black hair, blue eyes. He has scars on his back. Was twenty-six at the time.

If you have any information as to Sam's whereabouts, please contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Michigan Office at 313-965-2323. Any information received can be kept confidential.


Information used to compile this case file came from the following sources:
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
The Charley Project
The Doe Network

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