Donald Trump Pardons Man Involved in Casino Ship Fraud Case
Background of the Fraud Case
Donald Trump, the former US President, granted a pardon to Adam Kidan, who was previously convicted in a fraud case related to casino ships. Kidan, alongside his business partner, was involved in submitting a fraudulent bid to acquire SunCruz Casinos. This dispute escalated tragically when the founder of SunCruz was killed by mob-related individuals.
The Fraudulent Acquisition Attempt
In the year 2000, Adam Kidan and Jack Abramoff sought to purchase SunCruz Casinos, a company known for operating casino ships that sailed international waters, offering gambling opportunities beyond US jurisdiction. They agreed to buy the company for $147.5 million. However, it was later revealed they used a fake wire transfer to deceive lenders into believing a $23 million down payment had been made, which helped them secure a $60 million loan.
Conflict and Mob Involvement
The relationship between Kidan, Abramoff, and the original SunCruz owner, Boulis, deteriorated sharply. At one point, Boulis allegedly tried to stab Kidan, prompting Kidan to hire security from individuals linked to the Gambino crime family. Following this, Boulis was assassinated in 2001, a murder prosecutors claimed was orchestrated by Kidan’s hired security, leading to life sentences for those involved.
Legal Consequences and Business Resurgence
Adam Kidan was sentenced to 70 months in prison on charges including fraud, conspiracy to bribe officials, and tax evasion related to the SunCruz case. After his release in 2009, he reentered the business world successfully, building a thriving staffing company and becoming an active supporter of the Republican Party.
Pardon and Its Impact
The recent pardon by President Trump does not reduce the time Kidan served but eliminates his outstanding federal restitution debt of $21.7 million linked to the SunCruz fraud case.
