Mohammed Chowdhury, a Boston man, was sentenced to nearly eight years in prison for attempting to hire a contract killer to murder his ex-wife and her boyfriend. Chowdhury offered to pay $8,000 to the contract killer, who was actually an undercover federal agent. He pleaded guilty to two counts of use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire. Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division, stated that Chowdhury, who was willing to hire a hitman to kill his ex-wife and her boyfriend, is a danger to the community, and the FBI was able to thwart his plot.
In November 2022, law enforcement received a tip from an informant that Chowdhury was soliciting assistance to have his ex-wife killed. Chowdhury reportedly told the informant that he needed the murders to be completed as soon as possible and that he would pay to make it happen, even robbing a store to obtain the money if necessary. Law enforcement was provided with Chowdhury’s phone number by the informant, and an undercover agent posing as a contract killer contacted Chowdhury about his murder-for-hire plot. Chowdhury met with undercover agents multiple times and provided them with details about his ex-wife and her boyfriend, including where they lived and worked, as well as their work schedules. He agreed to pay $4,000 per murder, with a $500 deposit, before being taken into custody on January 17, 2023.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy stated that Chowdhury’s conduct reflects how dangerous he is, with his behavior representing the most extreme form of domestic violence. Chowdhury had previously been charged in October 2019 with violating an Abuse Prevention Order prohibiting him from abusing, contacting, or coming within a certain distance of his ex-wife. He pleaded to sufficient facts and received a continuance without a finding. Chowdhury expressed misogyny and dehumanization in trying to carry out his plot, emphasizing making the killings look like a robbery and beating and ensuring no evidence would link him to the murders.
Chowdhury’s sentencing to 92 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release was praised by law enforcement, who highlighted the importance of keeping violent criminals like Chowdhury locked up for the safety of the community. The FBI was able to prevent the deadly plot from being carried out and ensure that Chowdhury would not be able to harm anyone for a significant period of time. Chowdhury believed he could get away with murder but was ultimately caught as he provided the $500 deposit to the undercover agents who were monitoring and investigating his plot.
The case of Mohammed Chowdhury illustrates the dangers of domestic violence and the lengths to which some individuals are willing to go to harm their partners. Chowdhury’s attempt to hire a contract killer to murder his ex-wife and her boyfriend showcases the importance of protecting women from abusive relationships and utilizing all available tools to ensure their safety. The FBI’s intervention in thwarting Chowdhury’s deadly plan highlights the role of law enforcement in preventing violence and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. Chowdhury’s sentencing sends a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated, and those who engage in such acts will face severe consequences.
