Aimee Betro, a 45-year-old woman from West Allis, Wisconsin, has been convicted in the UK for her role in a failed assassination attempt targeting Birmingham shop owner Sikander Ali. The incident occurred in September 2019 and was part of a broader conspiracy linked to a violent family feud.
The Attempted Assassination
On September 7, 2019, Betro traveled from the United States to the UK, where she attempted to shoot Sikander Ali at point-blank range outside his home in the Yardley area of Birmingham. Disguised in a niqab, she approached Ali as he exited his vehicle. However, the gun jammed, allowing Ali to flee. Later that night, Betro returned and fired three shots into the family’s home. She then fled the country the following day.
The Feud Behind the Plot
The assassination attempt was orchestrated by Mohammed Aslam and his son Mohammed Nabil Nazir, who were involved in a longstanding feud with Ali’s family. The conflict stemmed from a 2018 altercation at Ali’s father’s clothing store, which resulted in injuries to Aslam and Nazir. Betro became involved in the plot after meeting Nazir through a dating app. She was recruited to carry out the attack, which was part of a larger scheme to intimidate and harm the Ali family.
Betro’s Background and Conviction
Betro, who had minimal prior criminal history, was described by authorities as “fairly unexceptional.” She was convicted at Birmingham Crown Court of conspiracy to murder, possessing a self-loading pistol with intent to cause fear of violence, and illegally importing ammunition. Despite her claims that another woman with a similar appearance was responsible for the shooting, the court found her guilty based on evidence including CCTV footage and mobile phone data.
Following the attack, Betro fled to Armenia, where she remained in hiding for several years. In January 2025, she was located and extradited to the UK to face trial. Her co-conspirators, Aslam and Nazir, were previously convicted and sentenced to prison for their roles in the plot.
Sentencing
Betro is scheduled to be sentenced on August 21, 2025. The case highlights the lengths to which individuals may go to exact revenge and the international efforts required to bring perpetrators to justice. It also underscores the importance of vigilance and cooperation among law enforcement agencies across borders to prevent and address serious criminal activities.
