Investigations into East Plano Islamic Center and EPIC City

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday directed the Texas Rangers to open an investigation into the East Plano Islamic Center and affiliated entities for “potential criminal activities.”

EPIC, one of North Texas’ largest mosques, has ties to a Muslim-centric neighborhood development northeast of Dallas.

“Texas is a law-and-order state, and those scheming to evade law enforcement scrutiny must know justice is awaiting them,” Abbott said in a news release. “Texas will ensure that anyone affiliated with EPIC who is breaking the law is brought to justice.” A representative for Abbott declined to share more information about the investigation.

Multiple Investigations

The Texas Rangers investigation is one of at least five announced investigations targeting EPIC or EPIC City. Those include investigations led by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Texas Workforce Commission, the Texas State Board of Securities and the Texas Funeral Service Commission.

The mosque’s board of directors did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and a call to its current board president was not immediately returned.

EPIC City Development

EPIC City is a planned development of more than 1,000 homes, a K-12 faith-based school, a mosque, elderly and assisted living, apartments, clinics, retail shops, a community college and sports fields. Last year, some members of EPIC formed Community Capital Partners, a for-profit entity managing the EPIC City project.

On Friday, Abbott said the Texas Workforce Commission is investigating EPIC for potentially discriminating against non-Muslims. In a news release, Abbott said the neighborhood’s developers “are potentially breaking state fair housing laws by refusing to sell or rent housing to certain groups based on religion or other protected traits.”

Response from EPIC

Yasir Qadhi, the resident scholar at EPIC, told The Dallas Morning News in February that EPIC City is open to anyone, regardless of religion. “We have to dispel this notion that this is an exclusive community; it is open for all, and anybody who’s interested is more than welcome to apply,” he said.

“Obviously, we understand that it’s going to have a greater appeal to those of a certain background,” he said. “If certain people want to live in a community where there is a faith-based mosque or temple or synagogue that’s walking distance, why should they not be allowed that freedom?”

Investigations by Other Agencies

Last Thursday, Abbott said the Texas State Securities Board is investigating EPIC “for potential failures to comply with applicable state and federal securities requirements, including protections against fraud.” Abbott alleged that the group behind EPIC City may be “misleading investors.” The Texas State Securities Board confirmed it is investigating EPIC.

Last Wednesday, Abbott also called on EPIC to cease and desist all funeral service operations. Abbott said in a news release that the mosque is operating a funeral home without an establishment license in violation of a Texas law that lays out the requirements for licensed funeral services.

Last Tuesday, Paxton announced that his office is investigating whether the development project violates Texas consumer protection laws. Paxton is seeking information relevant to that investigation.

Conclusion

The investigations into EPIC and EPIC City are ongoing, and it is unclear what the outcome will be. However, it is clear that the project has raised concerns among state officials and the community.

Imran Chaudhary, president of Community Capital Partners, told The News in a statement that the group will work with Paxton’s office. “We understand that there has been a lot of rumor-milling and misinformation circulated by many who are uninformed,” he said. “We look forward to working with the Attorney General to ensure that we are in legal compliance every step of the way and educating the broader community about our project.”

In February, Abbott posted about the development on X: “To be clear, Sharia law is not allowed in Texas. Nor are Sharia cities. Nor are ‘no go zones’ which this project seems to imply. Bottom line: The project as proposed in the video is not allowed in Texas.”

Sharia is the moral code for followers of Islam, but the interpretation and administration varies based on different sects, communities, countries and individuals, according to the Council on American-Islamic Relations. There is no single Sharia code, similar to how there is no uniform body of law for the thousands of Christian sects throughout the world.

FAQs

Q: What is EPIC City?

A: EPIC City is a planned development of more than 1,000 homes, a K-12 faith-based school, a mosque, elderly and assisted living, apartments, clinics, retail shops, a community college and sports fields.

Q: What are the investigations into EPIC and EPIC City about?

A: The investigations are looking into potential criminal activities, discrimination against non-Muslims, and compliance with state and federal securities requirements, among other things.

Q: Who is leading the investigations?

A: The investigations are being led by the Texas Rangers, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Texas Workforce Commission, the Texas State Board of Securities, and the Texas Funeral Service Commission.

Q: What has EPIC said about the investigations?

A: EPIC has said that it will work with the investigators and that it is open to anyone, regardless of religion.