BEVERLY HILLS, July 14, (THEWILL) – Suspected fraudster and Instagram celebrity, Ramon Abbas, aka Hushpuppi, has been denied bail by a United States Magistrate Judge in the Northern District of Illinois, Judge Jeffrey T. Gilbert
Hushpuppi’s lawyer, Gal Pissetzky had challenged his extradition to the States from Dubai by the FBI and also applied for his bail on the condition that he would wear an electronic tag and be allowed to stay with an uncle.
THEWILL reports that the prosecutors rejected the plea, arguing that the alleged cyber-thief would commit more crimes with smartphones and internet connection and also posed a flight risk.
Pissetzky however responded by saying: “He is loved, respected and he is a celebrity.
“I don’t see the reason why he would want to ruin his credibility in the world and his status rather than stay here and face this allegation.
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“Anywhere he goes, people will know.
“Having grown up very poor in Nigeria, Mr. Abbas is now paid to pose with high-priced items such as Louis Vuitton bags that people would buy after seeing his posts on Instagram.
“He is an influencer. That’s a job today, as much as it is hard to imagine this is actually a full-time job,” Pissetzky said.
After listening to both defense counsel and the prosecutor, Judge Gilbert remanded the suspected cyber-rogue in custody, ruling that he is indeed a flight risk.
