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Egyptian National Extradited to U.S. for Major Wire Fraud and Identity Theft
Hatem Ghouneim Faces Federal Charges in New Jersey Court for Defrauding Rideshare Company.
Newark, NJ - Through international law enforcement cooperation, Hatem Ghouneim, an Egyptian national, was extradited to the United States to face charges in a major wire fraud and identity theft case. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced Ghouneim's initial court appearance in Newark federal court today.
Ghouneim, 35, is indicted on three counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Arrested in Spain on July 16, 2023, he was extradited to the U.S. on January 25, 2024, at the United States' request. During his appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge James B. Clark III, Ghouneim pleaded not guilty and was detained pending trial.
The indictment and court statements reveal that from January to December 2019, Ghouneim orchestrated a fraudulent scheme targeting a prominent technology company operating a rideshare service. By creating fake accounts using stolen identities, he manipulated the company into paying him referral fees for these illegitimately created accounts, defrauding the company of hundreds of thousands of dollars in the process.
Each wire fraud count against Ghouneim carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, while the aggravated identity theft charge includes a mandatory minimum of two years. Importantly, any prison term for the identity theft charge must be served consecutively to sentences for other counts. Additionally, each count could result in a fine up to $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger recognized the FBI's pivotal role, led by Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, in the investigation leading to Ghouneim's indictment. He also expressed gratitude to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the FBI Attaché’s Office in Spain, and the Spanish government for their substantial support in arresting and extraditing Ghouneim.
The case is currently handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shontae D. Gray of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
It is essential to note that the charges against Ghouneim are merely allegations at this stage, and he remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
