World / Somali pirates FBI Hauls in Somali Pirate Boss for Deadly Attack US captures pirate on land for first time for Virginia indictment By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff Posted Apr 14, 2011 3:39 AM CDT Copied This courtroom sketch shows Mohammad Shibin in a US District Court in Norfolk, Va., yesterday. (AP Photo/The Virginian-Pilot, Alba Bragoli) The FBI has hauled an alleged pirate leader from Somalia to Virginia to stand trial for his role in the killings of four American hostages earlier this year. Mohammad Shibin was captured in a joint operation coordinated with Somali authorities, reports the Wall Street Journal. The arrest of Shibin, who allegedly oversaw ransom negotiations, marks the first time the US has captured an alleged pirate in a leadership role, authorities say. Shibin faces federal charges including piracy and conspiracy to kidnap. The arrest "is a significant breakthrough in the US battle against Somali pirates," a US attorney said. "We hope this indictment will strike at the heart of the piracy business and send a strong message to all pirates, whether they board the ships or remain on shore in Somalia." The FBI operation inside Somalia was made possible by a 2008 UN resolution authorizing "all necessary and appropriate measures" against Somali pirates. (More Somali pirates stories.) Report an error