JUST IN: Hushpuppi Pleads Guilty After Living Lavish Dubai Dream
Hushpuppi has admitted charges of money laundering after being denied bail in 2020 for his alleged role in a massive money laundering scam.
The Nigerian social media star was living a jet-setting life in Dubai before he was arrested in a joint operation between Interpol, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Dubai Police over million-dollar fraud allegations.
Ramon Olorunwa Abbas, AKA “Hushpuppi” admitted taking part in a fraudulent $1.1million school financing scam along with additional cyber and business email compromise schemes, according to the United States Department of Justice. The reports show proceeds of this scam were used to purchase a $230,000k watch which he flaunted to his 2.5 million followers.
“Mr. Abbas, among the most high-profile money launderers in the world”
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The documents show Hushpuppi pleaded guilty on April 20 and admitted a significant role in a fraud that’s currently plaguing Americans
The backstory: In June 2020, Dubai Police arrested the influencer and recovered AED150 million in cash, 13 cars worth $6.8m, 21 computers, 47 smartphones and hard disks containing the addresses of two MILLION victims
The takedown was arranged by Dubai Police.
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The plea agreement shared by US authorities outlines the school finance scheme and others which cumulatively caused over $24 million loses
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Hushpuppi funded his luxurious lifestyle with funds gained from sophisticated fraud
The defendants allegedly faked the financing of a Qatari school by playing the roles of bank officials and creating a bogus website in a scheme that also bribed a foreign official to keep the elaborate pretense going after the victim was tipped off’
– Acting United States Attorney Tracy L. Wilkison.
Mr. Abbas, who played a significant role in the scheme, funded his luxurious lifestyle by laundering illicit proceeds generated by con artists who use increasingly sophisticated means. In conjunction with our law enforcement partners, we will identify and prosecute perpetrators of business email compromise scams, which is a massive and growing international crime problem.
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Hushpuppi’s celeb status helped him make connections with legitimate organizations
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He allegedly conspired with others in a $1.1 scam to dupe a Qatari banker. With the funds gained, $230,000 was used to purchase a Richard Mille RM11-03 watch, it was hand-delivered to Hushpuppi and later seen on his IG
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The Courts are hoping today’s announcement of a guilty plea will be a blow to his international network and serve as a warning to potential victims targeted with this type of theft
*This indictment contain allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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