Update 3/13/09:
On March 10, 2009, a federal grand jury in Miami, Florida, returned a 16-count conspiracy, mail fraud, and wire fraud indictment against Sirtaj Mathauda, a British citizen operating out of Costa Rica. The indictment alleges that from June 2004 through January 2009, Mathauda and others conspired to sell fraudulent business opportunities to U.S. citizens.
For additional information, see the Department of Justice Press Release dated March 11, 2009.
Charges in an indictment are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Update 3/26/09:
No change in status.
Update 6/25/09
On June 9, 2009, a federal grand jury in Miami returned an 18-count superseding indictment against Sirtaj Mathauda and Dilraj Mathauda. The superseding indictment alleges largely the same charges against Sirtaj Mathauda, and adds Dilraj Mathauda as a defendant.
Update 8/4/2009:
On July 30, 2009, Dilraj Mathauda was arrested in Miami based on the charges against him in the June 9, 2009, superseding indictment. He returned to the United States voluntarily to face the pending charges. At his initial appearance on July 31, the Court ordered him released with conditions that included home confinement at a specific residence in the Southern District of Florida, wearing an electronic monitoring bracelet, surrender of all travel documents including passport, and a bond.
For additional information, see the Department of Justice Press Release dated July 31, 2009.
Update 12/14/09:
On November 23, 2009, Sirtaj Mathauda had his initial appearance in federal court in Miami, Florida. Sirtaj Mathauda did not contest pretrial detention and is currently being held in federal custody.
On December 10, 2009, the court noticed a “Change of Plea” hearing for Dilraj Mathauda for January 6, 2010 at 10:30 a.m.
Update 1/19/10:
On January 13, 2010, Dilraj Mathauda entered a guilty plea in Miami Federal District Court to Count One of the Superseding Indictment pending against him, charging conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. Dilraj Mathauda sentencing is scheduled for March 29, 2010.
For additional information, see the Department of Justice Press Release dated January 14, 2010
Update 1/25/10:
On January 21, 2010, the court noticed a “Change of Plea” hearing for Sirtaj Mathauda for February 8, 2010 at 3:30 p.m.