Northridge Man Suspected Of Preying On Fellow Deaf People In Business Loan Scam
RESEDA (CBSLA.com) — Police say they have arrested a deaf man on suspicion of conning his fellow deaf people, and are asking any possible victims to come forward.
Hussein Ibrahaim Dheini, 37, was arrested on suspicion of robbery following a search Wednesday at his Northridge home, Los Angeles police Detective Tracey Angeles said. His bail was set at $50,000.
A victim came forward 10 days ago to report Dheini extorted money on the pretense of a business loan and never repaid it, instead pressuring the victim for more and more money to the point of using duress and causing fear, raising the con to robbery, Angeles said. Two more victims have since come forward with similar stories, but with smaller losses.
"Hussein Ibrahaim Dheini preyed on fellow deaf persons," Angeles said. "Being deaf and fluent in American Sign Language, he took advantage of their trust and goodwill to steal nearly half a million dollars among three persons, and we think there could be more victims."
Dheini is a Lebanese national in the country on an expired student visa. He was provided a Certified ASL interpreter during his contact with police.
"Con men, like Dheini, count on victims feeling shame and embarrassment for falling for a scam," Angeles said. "But we want to encourage any potential victim to come forward and reassure them that their naivete was merely a sign of their kindness and good nature."
Anyone with information about Dheini or who believes they are a victim can call Detective Tracey Angeles at (818) 374-7740 or text a message, beginning with the letters "LAPD," to 274637.