New Delhi: Former Instagram Influencer Jay Mazini, whose real name is Jebara Igbara, has been handed a seven-year prison sentence for orchestrating a fraudulent scheme that targeted millions of dollars from his online followers, particularly within the Muslim community, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jebara Igbara, aged 28 and hailing from New Jersey, admitted guilt to charges of fraud, acknowledging his involvement in a Ponzi scheme that amassed approximately $8 million through cryptocurrency scams. This ill-gotten wealth facilitated a lavish lifestyle, including luxury cars and extensive gambling.
Exploiting the financial uncertainties caused by the pandemic, Igbara exploited his connections within the Muslim community to solicit investments for his company, Hallal Capital LLC, promising returns from various ventures such as stock trading and the resale of electronic goods and personal protective equipment.
US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Breon Peace, condemned Igbara’s actions, noting his exploitation of the trust placed in him by his own religious community for personal gain.
Igbara expanded his online presence, amassing roughly 1 million followers on Instagram, partly by showcasing cash giveaways, which created an illusion of immense success and generosity. This online popularity further facilitated his fraudulent activities, as victims were more inclined to trust him.
Despite accusations of fraud and subsequent arrest on kidnapping charges in 2021, Igbara continued his deceitful practices. Many victims, however, turned to the FBI, recounting losses of significant sums, primarily in Bitcoin, under false promises of cash wire transfers.
In a federal court in Brooklyn, ahead of his sentencing, Igbara expressed remorse and apologized to his victims through his attorney, Jeffrey Lichtman. He received a concurrent seven-year prison sentence for fraud, in addition to a five-year term for kidnapping, which includes time served since 2021. Moreover, he is obligated to compensate his victims with $10 million.
While Igbara’s social media accounts have been largely removed, his story persists through online compilations and a documentary series called “The Age of Influence.”
