NJ Real Estate Influencer Indicted for Multi-Million-Dollar Fraud, Money Laundering, and Bribery Scheme

Cesar Pina, known as “Flipping NJ,” is accused of orchestrating a Ponzi-style investment scheme, laundering drug proceeds, and bribing a Paterson official to advance his real estate interests.

NEWARK, N.J. — Cesar Humberto Pina, a 47-year-old Franklin Lakes resident who cultivated a large following as a real estate investor and social media influencer under the alias “Flipping NJ,” has been federally indicted for his alleged involvement in a sprawling financial and corruption scheme. U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Pina with six criminal counts related to investment fraud, narcotics-related money laundering, and public corruption.

“Cesar Pina is alleged to have misappropriated millions of dollars of peoples’ hard-earned money, laundered money for narcotics traffickers, and bribed a politician in furtherance of real estate projects. This multi-year torrent of criminal activity hurt investors around the United States, facilitated the scourge of narcotics trafficking, and undermined confidence in our public officials. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to root out these types of illicit activities that threaten our communities.” - U.S. Attorney Alina Habba

Criminal Charges and Status

The indictment includes two counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, two counts of substantive money laundering, and one count of bribery involving programs receiving federal funds. Pina has not yet appeared in court for arraignment. He remains presumed innocent pending the outcome of judicial proceedings.

“Rather than utilize his social media presence for the betterment of society, Mr. Humberto Pina chose to use it to expand his criminal activities. His actions, along with his willingness to launder money from drugs proceeds, is no different than those individuals flooding our streets with illicit and diverted narcotics, exasperating an already addictive and deadly opioid crisis." - DEA New Jersey Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz.

Investment Fraud Scheme and Ponzi Allegations

Federal prosecutors allege that Pina began soliciting investments in 2017 under the pretense of acquiring, renovating, and selling residential properties in New Jersey and other states. Pina marketed these deals through nationwide real estate seminars and social media promotions, often conducted alongside a celebrity radio personality. By leveraging his online persona and branding as a property-flipping expert, Pina promised prospective investors returns of 30% or more within four to five months.

In reality, prosecutors assert that Pina commingled investor funds, diverted substantial sums for personal and unauthorized business use, and used new investor contributions to repay earlier investors, thereby structuring a Ponzi-like financial scheme. To date, federal investigators have identified dozens of victims and estimated multi-million-dollar losses linked to the operation.

“Investment fraud is simply a crime of greed,” stated Inspector in Charge Christopher Nielsen, of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Newark Field Office of the Philadelphia Division. “In this case, Cesar Pina allegedly solicited dozens of individuals to provide him with millions of dollars to purchase and invest in residential properties. However, instead of sharing the profits, he defrauded his investors in a Ponzi scheme.”

Money Laundering and Drug Proceeds

Beyond investor fraud, Pina is accused of conspiring to launder funds derived from the sale of controlled substances, in collaboration with individuals known to him to be engaged in narcotics trafficking. He also allegedly took part in a law enforcement sting, in which he accepted and laundered funds that he was told were proceeds from drug trafficking, supplied by an undercover individual acting at the direction of federal agents.

“Under the guise of being an entrepreneur with his clients’ best interests at heart, Cesar Pina allegedly defrauded dozens of investors of millions of dollars. His alleged actions didn't stop at fraud but involved bribery, money laundering, and conspiring to launder illicit funds from the sale of drugs. The FBI and its partners will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that these criminals are brought to justice,” Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy stated.

Bribery of Paterson Public Official

The indictment further alleges that Pina bribed a Paterson, New Jersey official to influence government action tied to his real estate projects. These bribes included cash payments and other benefits provided in exchange for official support, particularly concerning Pina’s “Old School 5” development project, which was under consideration by the Paterson Zoning Board of Adjustment. In return, the unnamed official is alleged to have used their position to provide assistance and favorable influence.

“Leveraging his social media prominence, it is alleged Cesar Pina provided services for narcotics traffickers, bribed a government official, and defrauded unsuspecting investors out of millions of dollars, all for personal gain,” stated Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan, IRS Criminal Investigation, Newark Field Office.

If convicted on all counts, Pina faces substantial prison time and financial penalties:

• Each wire fraud count carries a maximum of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greater.

• Each money laundering and money laundering conspiracy count carries a maximum of 20 years in prison and a fine of $500,000, or twice the value of the laundered funds.

• The bribery charge is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the pecuniary gain or loss resulting from the offense.

The investigation was conducted by multiple federal agencies, reflecting the complexity and scope of the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office credited special agents from its own investigative division, along with personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Newark Division, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Newark Field Office, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Local support was also provided by the Franklin Lakes Police Department.

The case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) initiative, a multi-agency strategy that targets high-level criminal organizations through an intelligence-driven, prosecutor-led approach. More information about OCDETF can be found at justice.gov/OCDETF.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carolyn Silane and Aaron Webman of the Economic Crimes Unit, Edeli Rivera and Matthew Specht of the Special Prosecutions Division, and Marko Pesce, Deputy Chief of the Bank Integrity, Money Laundering, and Recovery Unit, all based in Newark.

As with all federal criminal proceedings, the charges outlined in the indictment are allegations. Cesar Pina is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.