Left: Tabaja, circa 1997 Right : Progressed by NCMEC to age 16 years. (2010)

Sam Ali Tabaja
Missing since January 10, 1997 from Ferndale, Oakland County, Michigan
Classification: Family Abduction

Vital Statistics

• Date Of Birth: April 27, 1994
• Age at Time of Disappearance: 2 years old
• Height and Weight at Time of Disappearance: 2'2" (66 cm); 40 lbs (18 kg).
• Distinguishing Characteristics: White male. Sandy hair; blue eyes.

Circumstances of Disappearance
Sam Ali Tabaja was last seen in Ferndale, Michigan on January 10, 1997.
Sam Ali Tabaja was abducted by his noncustodial father, Ali Ibrahim Tabaja. An FBI International Parental Kidnapping warrant was issued for the abductor
on February 19, 1997.
U.S. District Judge Victoria Roberts delivered a guilty verdict on June 13, 2002, in the case of a Detroit man accused of aiding an international kidnapping. Hassan Tabaja was convicted on one charge of international parental kidnapping, aiding and abetting. Hassan Tabaja helped Ali Tabaja kidnap his son Sam Tabaja, in 1997. Hassan Tabaja drove Ali Tabaja to the airport and sent money and vehicles to Lebanon, where Ali Tabaja remains with his son.
Ali Tabaja remains wanted, but there is no extradition treaty between Lebanon and the United States.

Ali Ibrahim Tabaja

Investigators
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:

FBI - Michigan
313-965-2323

NCMEC #: NCMC837073

NCIC Number: M-991924727
Please refer to this number when contacting any agency with information regarding this case.

Source Information:
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Detroit News