Alleged Nigerian fraudster, Ramon Abbas, popular as Hushpuppi, has hired America’s top criminal defence attorney, Gal Pissetzky, to legally represent him in his Chicago trial.
According to Court documents, Mr Abbas, Monday, hired Pissetzky, a senior partner at Chicago law firm Pissetzky & Berliner, to help defend him on multiple-count multi-million dollar fraud charges leveled against him by the American Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Abbas was arrested, alongside dozens of his alleged accomplices, after his apartment was raided by Dubai’s Emirati Police on June 10. According to the Dubai Police, over N16 billion cash was found with Abbas, out of an estimated N168 billion online scams linked to the syndicate.
After the initial controversy over his custody between Nigeria and the United States, Abbas was handed over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I.) on July 2. He made an initial court appearance in Chicago on July 3.
However, Abbas’ case is scheduled to be transferred from Chicago to Los Angeles, Abbas has decided to hire Pissetzky to guide him through the process of transfer to Los Angeles.
While Pissetzky would likely counsel Abbas through the removal process in Chicago, it is unclear whether or not he would follow the suspect to Los Angeles
Pissetzky made his first appearance on behalf of Mr Abbas at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on July 6, documents showed. Pissetzky was called to the bar in 2002 and has practiced, in Chicago ever since. According to his company website, he has been retained in high-profile cases and also widely recognised by major American media outlets as a legal consultant on serious criminal matters.
Also, Abbas has successfully argued for an adjournment of his removal hearing from July 7 to July 13, according to court documents.
The removal process appeared to have made it difficult for Mr Abbas to enter a plea, several days after he arrived on American soil. His plea may not be taken and he may not be entitled to bail until his matter is transferred to Los Angeles for proper prosecution.
