The Federal Bureau of Investigation announced the arrest of fugitive Afzal “Bobby” Khan, who had been on the run since October 2014.
The former “Real Housewives of New Jersey” TV personality was wanted for his alleged involvement in a $1.7 million luxury car scam in Bergen County, according to a report.
Khan, 37, who was captured in the UAE in early February, was added to the FBI’s “Most Wanted List” after he fled the country with his family to avoid prosecution in 2014.
The former luxury car dealer, who opened the Emporio Motor Group in Ramsey in 2013, was a high profile cast member on RHONJ. Some of the cast members were listed among his clients.
Khan is charged with 5 counts of wire fraud and 5 counts of bank fraud after he allegedly obtained 21 car loans for luxury vehicles that he never delivered.
Khan allegedly used his clients’ information to take out large car loans and then pocketed the cash, leaving his clients on the hook for car payments for vehicles they never received.
Among the cars Khan secured loans for in 2014 were a Rolls Royce Phantom, a Lamborghini Aventador, a Porsche 911, a Audi, and a 2012 Rolls Royce Ghost.
The loan amounts ranged from $50,000 for the Audi to $160,000 for the Rolls Royce Ghost, according to NJ.com.
Khan nor Emporio had the titles to the cars, authorities said. People who bought the cars were unable to register or legally drive the vehicles.
Khan also allegedly sold luxury cars on consignment for clients, but failed to deliver the cars or the cash.
A federal arrest warrant was issued for Khan on October 21, 2014 after more than 75 customers filed complaints, according to the FBI.
An agent with the FBI’s Newark field office said Khan called his office from the United Arab Emirates to negotiate his own surrender after 5 years on the lam.
He reportedly begged for free passage for himself and his family on a government charter flight back to the U.S. if he turned himself in.
“Mr. Khan came to the sobering reality that he could not outrun the FBI,” said Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie.
Khan is being held in Bergen County Jail without bail while he awaits trial. He faces 100 years in prison if convicted on all counts.
