Epress.am News from Armenia
A reputed godfather in the Armenian mob won’t be going home for the holidays, New York Post reports.
Armen Kazarian, who’s charged with racketeering in a $100 million Medicare-fraud scheme, was denied bail yesterday by a judge who said his “great deal of unexplained wealth” could easily let him flee the country.
Manhattan federal Judge Paul Gardephe noted that Kazarian drives a $350,000 Rolls-Royce Phantom, owns a mortgage-free $600,000 California home, has gambled at least $1 million in Las Vegas, and has traveled extensively overseas — all while claiming to earn only $1,500 a month as a used-car broker.
Although Gardephe scolded prosecutors for failing to provide any solid evidence, he said Kazarian’s strong ties to Armenia — which has no extradition treaty with America — raised a “serious risk of flight.”
Defense lawyer Mark Geragos, who called the case against his client “almost laughable,” said he would consult with Kazarian before deciding whether to appeal.