Authorities say that Saalli Shibin was a high - level pirate negotiator . He negotiated release of Somali - held hostages and pirates in return for ransom . He was captured in Somalia in 2007 and released earlier this year . That came just about one year after Shibin was captured in a raid in Somalia by Somali forces working with the FBI . A judge handed him 12 life sentences on Monday .
Authorities say that Saalli Shibin was a high - level pirate negotiator . He negotiated release of Somali - held hostages and pirates in return for ransom . He was captured in Somalia in 2007 and released earlier this year . A judge handed him 12 life sentences on Monday .