Ramon Abbas a.k.a Hushpuppi has been arraigned in a court in California, United States, ahead of his trial on October 13.
The Instagram celebrity accused of being the leader of a group that facilitates computer intrusion, business email compromise (BEC) fraud and money laundering pleaded not guilty to the four-count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracies, international money laundering and engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity.
Premium Times reported that the prosecutors kickstarted the process of arraignment by filling necessary documents and forms after his first appearance on August 17.
Hushpuppi reportedly entered a plea, insisting that he is not guilty of the charges. The Instagram celebrity will be represented in court by Vicki Podberesky, a top-rated lawyer in California and Gal Pissetzky, a Chicago-based lawyer appearing pro hac vice because he is not licensed to practise outside Chicago.
Gal Pissetzky who is only licensed to practice in Chicago will now be supported by Vicki Podberesky of Andrues/Podberesky law firm based in Los Angeles.
The law firm specialises in representing individuals in both state and federal criminal matters, as well as companies and individuals in administrative and in-house investigations.
Pissetzky had applied to appear Pro hac vice on behalf of Hushpuppi in California, with an attestation letter from the Attorney Registration and the Disciplinary Commission of the Supreme Court in Illinois.
It was also learnt that Hushpuppi pleaded that he should be prosecuted with complaint and not indictment.
