![]() The group would usually hack into a business’ email account and either block or redirect emails, according to the FBI. He faces criminal charges for being the leader of a transnational network that allegedly conspired to launder hundreds of millions of dollars through email scams and other schemes, some of which targeted a New York law firm, a foreign bank and an English Premier League soccer club.Ībbas and a small group of co-conspirators allegedly had a network of “money mules” that they used to carry out the email scams and then launder money through a slew of foreign bank accounts. “The FBI’s investigation has revealed that Abbas finances this opulent lifestyle through crime,” FBI Special Agent Andrew Innocenti wrote in a lengthy arrest affidavit, filed in the District Court for the Central District of California on Thursday.Ībbas, 37, was arrested when he arrived in Chicago from Dubai on Thursday night. federal prosecutors argue-a rare example of a Nigerian email scam that actually fooled major companies into handing over millions. But his wealth was instead the result of running elaborate email scams and hacking schemes, U.S. If convicted of conspiracy to engage in money laundering, Abbas would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.Ībbas has not commented on the allegations.Abbas claimed to be a real estate developer. "As this case demonstrates, my office will continue to hold such criminals accountable, no matter where they live." "This case targets a key player in a large, transnational conspiracy who was living an opulent lifestyle in another country while allegedly providing safe havens for stolen money around the world. United States Attorney Nick Hanna said: "BEC schemes are one of the most difficult cybercrimes we encounter as they typically involve a co-ordinated group of con artists scattered around the world who have experience with computer hacking and exploiting the international financial system. The affidavit filed with the complaint states: "The FBI's investigation has revealed that Abbas finances this opulent lifestyle through crime, and that he is one of the leaders of a transnational network that facilitates computer intrusions, fraudulent schemes (including BEC schemes), and money laundering, targeting victims around the world in schemes designed to steal hundreds of millions of dollars." Instagram Due to your consent preferences, you’re not able to view this. "I post a few of these things so that someone can see my page someday and decide not to give up," he said in one post. On top of the alleged scheme involving a Premier League club, Abbas and others allegedly attempted to launder hundreds of millions of dollars through business email compromise (BEC) frauds and other scams targeting a US law firm and a foreign bank.Ībbas has said his Instagram posts are aimed to inspire others. He was arrested in UAE last month and then extradited to the US when FBI agents obtained custody of Abbas, who faces charges of conspiring to engage in money laundering that is alleged in a criminal complaint filed on June 25.Ībbas made his initial court appearance in Chicago on Friday, and is expected to be transferred to Los Angeles in the coming weeks. The Nigerian 37-year-old, who resides in Dubai, is known for posting photographs of luxury cars and five-star hotels on Instagram. Instagram influencer Ramon Abbas, known as 'Hushpuppi' to his 2.4m followers, has arrived in the US to face criminal charges including one scheme to allegedly steal £100m from an unnamed Premier League club.
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