By Sheharyar 
The FBI’s Portland Field Office is making an urgent appeal to the public for help in identifying possible victims of a dangerous and violent sex offender who is known by various aliases, including “Sakima,” “Justin Hyche,” and “Justin Kouassi.” This individual is Negasi Zuberi, 29 years old, and he has lived in at least 10 different states. Currently, Zuberi is in federal custody for interstate kidnapping following a horrific incident in Klamath Falls, Oregon.
On July 15, 2023, Zuberi committed a heinous crime, soliciting the services of a prostitute in Seattle, Washington, and posing as an undercover police officer. He then forcibly abducted the victim, holding her captive while traveling approximately 450 miles, subjecting her to sexual assault.
Upon reaching his home in Klamath Falls, Oregon, Zuberi imprisoned the victim in a horrifying makeshift cell constructed with cinder blocks and a metal door, deliberately designed to prevent any escape. Fortunately, the victim showed tremendous resilience, relentlessly banging on the door until she could break free. Escaping the room, she managed to seek help from a passing motorist, who contacted the authorities.
Klamath Falls Police Department, acting on a search warrant, discovered the makeshift cell in Zuberi’s garage, validating the victim’s harrowing account. Zuberi managed to flee the scene but was later apprehended in Reno, Nevada, after a brief standoff with local police.
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Stephanie Shark of the FBI Portland Field Office emphasized the gravity of the situation, acknowledging the victim’s bravery, and the importance of quick law enforcement action in capturing Zuberi. Sadly, further investigation has linked Zuberi to additional violent sexual assaults in at least four states, and there may be more victims yet to be identified.
Over the last 10 years, Zuberi has lived in ten states, raising concerns that there might be other undisclosed sexual assault victims. The FBI’s investigation has extended to multiple states, including California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Utah, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Alabama, and Nevada, where he resided between August 2016 and the present.
Victims may recognize Zuberi under the alias “Sakima,” and it is suspected that he employed various methods to control his victims, such as drugging their drinks and impersonating a police officer. In many cases, the victims were threatened with retaliation should they report the crimes to the authorities.
If you believe you have been victimized or possess any information about Zuberi (aka Sakima), please visit fbi.gov/ZuberiVictims or call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). You can also contact the FBI Portland Field Office at (503) 224-4181, your local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
The FBI acknowledges and appreciates the invaluable assistance of our partners in this ongoing investigation, including the United States Attorney’s Office – District of Oregon, Klamath Falls Police Department, Oregon Department of Justice, Oregon State Police, Reno Police Department, Nevada State Police, and the FBI Las Vegas Field Office, Reno Resident Agency.
Remember, a criminal complaint is only an accusation, and every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.