No Defendant Names Found, Investment Fraud, HI, 2023

WAIKIKI, HI – Four individuals are facing serious federal charges after allegedly fleecing Hawaii residents out of over $300,000 in a classic investment fraud. Haitem Taylor Abid Dhaene, Latifa Zanki Dhaene, Tim Dhaene, and Sofyane Abid Dhaene were taken into custody over the weekend by FBI agents in Waikiki, accused of running a scheme built on false promises and outright lies.

The indictment alleges the Dhaenes pitched bogus “high-return” investment contracts to multiple victims across the islands. They claimed a partnership with a mainland wealth management firm, promising guaranteed profits. According to federal prosecutors, these claims were entirely fabricated – a smokescreen to siphon money from unsuspecting investors. The feds say the Dhaenes were skilled at manipulating victims into handing over their savings.

All four defendants appeared in federal court on March 6, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Leslie E. Kobayashi, entering pleas of not guilty. A trial date is set for May 8, 2023. While Sofyane Abid Dhaene was released under certain conditions, detention hearings are scheduled for the remaining three defendants to determine if they pose a flight risk or danger to the community.

The charges center around wire fraud, a federal felony involving the use of electronic communications to carry out a fraudulent scheme. Each defendant faces three counts of wire fraud, carrying a potential prison sentence of up to 30 years and a fine of up to $1 million. Federal prosecutors are building a case demonstrating a pattern of deceit and exploitation aimed at vulnerable residents.

This investigation was a joint effort between the FBI and the Special Investigation and Prosecution Division (SIPD) of the Hawaii Attorney General’s Office. “We are committed to aggressively investigating and prosecuting fraud cases in Hawaii,” stated a representative from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The Attorney General added that combating white-collar crime is a top priority, emphasizing the devastating impact these schemes have on victims and their families.

The FBI is determined to see this case through to a just conclusion. While the defendants maintain their innocence, the evidence gathered suggests a calculated effort to defraud Hawaii residents. This case serves as a stark reminder to always exercise extreme caution when presented with investment opportunities and to thoroughly vet any financial advisor or firm before handing over your hard-earned money. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as they become available.