Twice-convicted fraudster pardoned by Trump facing federal fraud charges again: DOJ

20 July 2023

Lakewood, New Jersey resident Eliyahu Weinstein is among the many people who received federal pardons or commutations from former President Donald Trump — a group that also includes veteran GOP operatives Paul Manafort and Roger Stone, "War Room" host Steve Bannon, and former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn. Weinstein was convicted of fraud twice and was sentenced to prison after defrauding investors out of $230 million, but Trump commuted his sentence.

Now, two and one-half years after Trump left office, Weinstein is facing fraud charges again.

On Wednesday, July 19, federal prosecutors for the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that Weinstein and four other men had been charged in connection with an alleged fraud scheme. The Associated Press reports that the defendants are "accused of defrauding dozens of investors out of $35 million."

According to AP, "The five are charged with wire fraud conspiracy and conspiracy to obstruct justice, and each could face up to 25 years in prison. Philip Sellinger, the U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, said Weinstein used a fake name and falsely promised access to deals involving scarce medical supplies, baby formula and first-aid kits supposedly destined for wartime Ukraine."

The other defendants in the case are Aryeh Bromberg, Shlomo Erez, Joel Wittels and Alaa Hattab, 34. The case has an international element: Erez lives in Israel, while Hattab is from Ottawa, Canada.

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