Popular Instagram celebrity and cyber-scammer Ramon ‘Hushpupppi’ Abbas, has been arraigned in a court in California, United States, ahead of his trial on October 13.
Hushpuppi, 37, has been accused of leading of a group that facilitates computer intrusion, business e-mail compromise (BEC) fraud and money laundering, pleaded “not guilty” to the four counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracies, international money laundering and engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity.
The prosecutors kick-started the process of arraignment by filling necessary documents and forms after his first appearance on August 17. Abbas will be represented in court by top-rate California lawyer Vicki Podberesky and Chicago-based lawyer Gal Pissetzky appearing pro hac vice because he is not licensed to practise outside Chicago.
It was also learnt that Hushpuppi pleaded that he should be prosecuted with complaint and not indictment.
