Introduction to the Case

A Moroccan national who posed as a relative of late drug lord Pablo Escobar and rubbed shoulders with Chicago’s rich and famous is accused of bilking an investor out of millions after falsely promising to spend the money on a marijuana grow operation and a shipping container business.

Background of the Accused

Jawad Fakroune used the investment to buy a sprawling estate in Lemont, rent an apartment in New York for himself and purchase a Cadillac Escalade and luxury watches for others, according to an indictment recently returned in federal court here. Fakroune, 45, entered the United States in 2001 through a “diversity visa program” and became a lawful permanent resident, according to federal authorities.

Past Crimes and Deportation Order

He was convicted in New York of identity theft, bribery of a public official and other crimes under the alias of Ban Abdrahime, according to prosecutors, who said he served prison time and is now listed as a parole “absconder” by the New York Department of Corrections. In 2012, Fakroune was ordered to be deported, but a judge overturned that decision, authorities said.

Recent Activities and Arrest

In recent years, Fakroune has lived in the Chicago area. He was arrested in January and charged with using threats and violence to shake down the owner of a Lincoln Park restaurant for $1.5 million he said he was owed. In April, the Chicago Sun-Times reported that Lisa Duarte, a lobbyist and a former top aide to Gov. JB Pritzker, was cooperating with investigators in Fakroune’s case. She had paid the property taxes for Fakroune’s home in Lemont, records show. Duarte’s lawyer has said she isn’t accused of wrongdoing.

Investigation and Charges

The Sun-Times also reported a Chicago police officer is suspected of providing guns to Fakroune. The guns were found in an FBI raid on Fakroune’s apartment in New York, prosecutors said. The officer is under investigation for filing a report saying his guns were stolen, according to a Chicago police spokesperson. Court records don’t identify the officer. According to the indictment against Fakroune, returned Tuesday, the Internal Revenue Service investigated his bank records and found he evaded federal income taxes from 2020 through 2023.

Tax Evasion and Business Schemes

He’s also accused of defrauding “numerous” people who invested in his business schemes, the indictment stated, which seeks to seize $2.6 million and the Lemont estate from him. In 2022, Fakroune promised one investor a monthly return on a $2.45 million investment in a marijuana grow operation and shipping containers, but spent most of the money on personal expenses, the indictment said. Another scheme involved Fakroune getting $150,000 from a victim by falsely representing he would invest the money in a coffee shop or Mexican restaurant, according to the indictment.

Conclusion

The case of Jawad Fakroune highlights the complexities of financial crimes and the importance of thorough investigations. Fakroune’s ability to pose as a relative of a notorious drug lord and gain the trust of wealthy and famous individuals in Chicago is a testament to his cunning nature. However, his eventual downfall serves as a reminder that such crimes do not go unpunished. As the investigation continues, it will be interesting to see how the case unfolds and what further revelations come to light.

FAQs

• Q: Who is Jawad Fakroune?
  A: Jawad Fakroune is a Moroccan national accused of bilking investors and evading taxes.
• Q: What were Fakroune’s business schemes?
  A: Fakroune promised investors returns on investments in a marijuana grow operation and shipping containers, but spent the money on personal expenses. He also falsely represented that he would invest money in a coffee shop or Mexican restaurant.
• Q: Is Fakroune connected to any notable figures in Chicago?
  A: Yes, sources indicate that Fakroune was close to rich and famous people in Chicago, including a former local sports legend and a rock star.
• Q: What are the charges against Fakroune?
  A: Fakroune is charged with tax evasion and defrauding numerous people who invested in his business schemes.
• Q: What is the current status of the case?
  A: The indictment against Fakroune has been returned, and the case is ongoing. The Internal Revenue Service and other authorities are involved in the investigation.