Organized crime money launderer says he did not try to flee Canada, warrants vacated
After missing a court appearance Friday, Talal Fouani appeared before a judge on Monday so that his warrants could be vacated.
Fouani called an allegation that he tried to book a charter flight to the Caribbean "inaccurate and damaging."
"People thought I was fleeing the country and I was just sitting at home," Fouani, 48, told the judge.
He also provided an emailed statement to CBC News.
"I want to make it unequivocally clear that I have not and do not have any intention of fleeing," said Fouani.
"I am committed to resolving this matter and will ensure that I attend all future court dates as required."
Fouani said he believed his next court date was several months away and said missing Friday's appearance "was an honest mistake and not an attempt to avoid my obligations."
The parties appeared before Justice Greg Stirling on Monday, and prosecutor Shelley Tkatch told the judge that Fouani contacted her early Sunday morning when he realized he'd missed court Friday and that warrants had been issued for his arrest.
Fouani told her he was under the belief his next court date was in August, when a three-day sentencing hearing is set to take place.
"I accept his explanation," said Tkatch.
Fouani pleaded guilty more than two years ago.
Before a sentencing hearing could take place, Fouani's first lawyer, Yoav Niv, filed a dozen applications, most of which went nowhere but had the effect of delaying the case.
Fouani told the court he is working to rehire his second lawyer, Greg Dunn, to handle the case moving forward.
The case dates back to 2022, when several people were charged in an investigation into a massive, cross-border drug trafficking operation involving Mexican cartels.
Fouani's charges of money laundering were among the least serious and he entered a guilty plea several months later.
The others facing more serious charges, including Ricco King, the alleged leader of the organization, saw their charges stayed by the Crown late last year.
It's been a source of torment for Fouani.
"Everyone else has gotten away with everything," Fouani said on Monday, telling the court he intends to file a stay application before the sentencing hearing.
Justice Stirling declined to comment on the potential application and told Fouani he is committed to keeping the case "on track."
"As things stand, sentencing is proceeding in August."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Michigan couple held in Mexican jail for a month over a timeshare dispute say the judicial system was weaponized against them
A Michigan couple held in a Mexican jail for a month over a timeshare dispute at a Cancun resort claim the judicial system was weaponized against them. Paul, a Navy veteran, and Christy Akeo were released in early April after being arrested soon after their plane touched down in Cancun in early March. They allege Palace Resorts LLC began a 'secret lawfare campaign' against them after they disputed more than $100,000 in credit card charges, according to a lawsuit filed by the couple in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court on Friday. The New York Post, which first reported on the lawsuit, said the couple had bought timeshares for the resorts' Cancun location starting in 2016. The couple were 'wholesale customers' and would resell the resort bookings to others, according to the lawsuit. The terms of the Akeos' agreement with Palace Resorts changed in November 2021, and after, the resort claimed the couple 'breached their membership,' the suit says. The resort later went back on bookings the Akeos had set up for others, so the couple successfully disputed the credit card charges since the 'product or services had not been received,' according to the suit. Everything came to a head this past March when the couple was arrested by Mexican authorities at the Cancun International Airport after the resort accused them of 'fraudulently' disputing the credit card charges, court documents obtained by The Independent show. The couple spent a month in a maximum security prison in Quintana Roo, separate from each other, where they slept 'alongside drug dealers and violent criminals,' according to the documents. The conditions in the prison were deplorable, with 'no working shower and no flushable toilet,' the Akeos alleged. Lindsay Hull, Christy's daughter and Paul's stepdaughter, told the New York Post her mom lost 25 pounds in her first two weeks in prison because the food she was given had fish in it, even though she told the prison she was allergic. The couple was eventually taken to court and told by their lawyer and Michigan Congressman Tom Barrett, who went to Mexico to help get them home, they needed to sign a settlement that included a non-disclosure agreement to get out of prison, according to court documents. 'Palace Resorts coerced the Akeos under duress to affix their signatures' on the agreement, while next to men carrying machine guns, the Akeos claim. 'It's not fair that my parents are not able to speak about their story,' Hull told the New York Post. 'They deserve to advocate for themselves.' The resort has rejected the Akeos' claims through attorney David Orta, who said, per the New York Post, that his client will 'defend against them and otherwise take appropriate legal action to enforce the Palace Company's rights.' 'Mr. and Mrs. Akeo have unfortunately proceeded with additional litigation against the Palace Company and affiliated entities and individuals in violation of the parties' resolution of their disputes,' Orta said. The Independent has reached out to the resort for comment.
Time Business News
4 hours ago
- Time Business News
Crime Concerns in Texas and the Need for Defense Attorneys
Texas faces several significant crime-related challenges that drive demand for criminal defense representation across the state. Violent Crime Trends Texas cities like Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin consistently rank among areas with elevated violent crime rates. Homicides, aggravated assaults, and armed robberies remain persistent concerns, particularly in urban centers. Drug-related violence and gang activity contribute substantially to these statistics. Property Crime Issues Burglary, theft, and vehicle theft rates remain high across both urban and rural areas. The state's proximity to the Mexican border creates unique challenges with smuggling operations and related property crimes. Rural areas face particular issues with cattle theft and equipment theft from agricultural operations. Drug-Related Offenses Texas serves as a major corridor for drug trafficking due to its extensive border with Mexico. This results in high rates of drug possession, distribution, and manufacturing charges. The state has also seen significant increases in fentanyl-related cases, creating both public health and criminal justice challenges. White-Collar Crime Major metropolitan areas see substantial white-collar criminal activity including fraud, embezzlement, and financial crimes. The state's large business sector and oil industry create opportunities for complex financial crimes that require specialized legal expertise. Why Texans Need Criminal Defense Attorneys Harsh Sentencing Guidelines Texas is known for aggressive prosecution and lengthy sentences. The state maintains some of the strictest penalties in the nation for various offenses, making skilled legal representation crucial for anyone facing charges. Complex Legal System Texas has intricate criminal codes and procedures that vary significantly between jurisdictions. Local practices in Harris County differ substantially from those in rural counties, requiring attorneys with specific regional knowledge. High Stakes Consequences Criminal convictions in Texas carry severe collateral consequences including employment barriers, housing restrictions, and loss of professional licenses. The state's approach to repeat offenders under habitual offender statutes can result in disproportionately harsh sentences. Resource Disparities Many defendants lack the resources to navigate the complex legal system effectively. Public defender offices are often overwhelmed, leading individuals to seek private counsel when facing serious charges. The combination of high crime rates, aggressive prosecution practices, and severe consequences creates a environment where competent legal representation becomes essential for protecting individual rights and achieving fair outcomes in the Texas criminal justice system. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Epoch Times
4 hours ago
- Epoch Times
Colombian Sentenced for Conspiring With FARC to Smuggle Tons of Cocaine to US
A Colombian citizen was sentenced for conspiring, in partnership with the violent Marxist group Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), to traffic tons of cocaine to the United States, the U.S. Attorney's Office Southern District of New York announced on Aug. 19. Alberto Alonso Jaramillo Ramirez, 56, conspired with others in association with the FARC to obtain and distribute tons of cocaine to be sold in the United States, said authorities. He negotiated with individuals he believed to be traffickers from a Mexican drug trafficking organization called the Mexican DTO, which sought to establish a supply route from Venezuela to the United States.
