They also claimed in emails that more than $5 million has exchanged hands. The women claim more than 70 people made it to the "dessert" level and that more than 20 of those women made it to the top more than six times, according to emails outlined in the indictment. All but a few gifts received have gone to charity. There were no promises made by me."īello explained to another participant in an email, "The tables are not illegal. When a participant complained to her, Bello replied in an email, "You chose to gift, your family chose to gift. A Dream House bought in the country of your own choice one Month holiday (fully paid) to your dream tourist destination. A Cash Reward of USD 500,000A New Sleek Dream CAR valued at USD120,000. you will make $80,000 on your small investment."īello emailed another participant saying, "Keep it quiet because rather not have red flags raised." BENEFITS GIVEN TO NEW MEMBERSWHO JOIN ILLUMINATI. In one email, Bello told a participant, "I believe within a year of your starting. The indictment includes portions of numerous emails sent from the women to participants in the club. "They went to counsel to review the matter, to review the essence of what the government calls a Ponzi scheme, and legal counsel that they had told them it was legal," said Jonathan Einhorn, who is Platt's attorney.Īttorneys even participated in the club, according to Einhorn. The women referred to their proceeds as "Green Beans" and sent emails to potential club members promising large tax-free financial gains, according to the indictment. New members contributed a $5,000 "gift" to join at the "appetizer" level, older members moved up the pyramid, and the person at the top "dessert" level cashed in on the new member "gifts," according to court documents.įrom there, the pyramid split with lower level members moving up and recruitment starting again for eight new "appetizer" level members. The pyramid had four levels: "Appetizers," "Soup and Salads," "Entrees" and "Dessert." The indictment outlines exactly how the alleged scheme worked. When asked if she had anything to say about the charges as she left the courthouse, Bello said, "No, I don't.
She did it for philanthropic purposes, giving money back to people," Bello's attorney, Richard Marquette, said during one of the hearings.
New Haven Police Officer Arrested After Lengthy Criminal Investigation