Pakistan Native Charged in Real Estate Fraud

As reported by various news publishers, A South Florida resident, formerly from Dublin, OH, was charged with a $13.8 million dollar real estate fraud scheme.  He is being held without bond for fear he will flee the country.

Zafar allegedly convinced an investor, Patwinder Sidhu, to send him $10 million, beginning in 2008, to purchase property in Pakistan.  Zafar purported that his uncle was the Defense Minister in Pakistan. Zafar told Mr. Sidhu that his uncle told him that the Pakistani government was going to buy the land.  Zafar convinced Mr. Sidhu that they could purchase the land and then sell it back to the Pakistani government at a huge profit.  Mr. Sidhu sent him nearly $8 million in 2008 and 2009, and later, another $2 million.

Zafar filed no income-tax for 2008 & 2009, but reported zero income for 2006 and 2007.   Zafar's wife, Cynthia King-Zafar, filed taxes separately from Zafar and reported earnings of $5,849 in unemployment income in 2009.

Zafar put the money into an account in his father-in-law's name, Jacob R. Johnson of Delaware; however, he controlled the account and used the money for his extravagant lifestyle.  Zafar spent the money on expensive luxury cars, expensive diamonds and watches worth an estimated 200,000.00, and an extravagant night club life.  He rented expensive cars, including one that was shot at in a drive-by shooting that killed a budding rapper.  He purchased a Lamborghini, a Rolls-Royce and an Aston Martin.

The Pakistan Native, Haider Zafar, 35, is charged with wire fraud, money laundering and tax evasion.