Nigerian socialite, Ramon Abbas, popularly known as Hushpuppi, has been arraigned in a Californian court as his trial is to begin on October 13th, 2020.
Hushpuppi pleaded not guilty to the four-count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracies, international money laundering and engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity.
Recall that in July, Hushpuppi was first arraigned in Chicago court, however, the case was transferred to Los Angeles, a city in California over lack of jurisdiction.
According to reports, he is alleged to be the leader of a group that facilitates computer intrusion, wire fraud, Business email compromise (BEC) fraud and Money laundering.
The agency said Hushpuppi’s targeted victims, majorly in the US, had been defrauded of over $168 billion, including one scheme to steal £100 million (approximately $124 million) from an English Premier League soccer club.
Since his transfer to California late July, he has been held in the custody of the US Marshal in a Federal prison. FBI who is the prosecutor, started the process of arraignment by filling necessary documents and forms after his first appearance on the 17th of August.
According to Premium Times, Hushpuppi agreed to go to trial with his lawyer, Vicki Podberesky, a top-rated lawyer in California. Mrs Podberesky will be assisted by Gal Pissetzky, a Chicago-based lawyer appearing pro-hac-vice because he is not licensed to practice outside Chicago.
Hushpuppi has pleaded to be prosecuted with complaint and not indictment. This he did by filing a waiver of indictment accepted by the court.
