Man suspected of defrauding elderly residents arrested
A Las Vegas man suspected of defrauding elderly residents in a real estate investment scheme was arrested today at McCarran International Airport.
The suspect, known by aliases Jamal Eljwaidi and Jean Marc, faces allegations of elder exploitation. Authorities believe he defrauded local residents of at least $600,000, including $400,000 from one Las Vegas resident with a diminished mental capacity.
There are at least five confirmed victims, but more are possible, officials said, noting that the scheme might have netted Eljwaidi millions of dollars.
Investigators said Eljwaidi's scheme involved offering people high-interest payments for investing in a shopping center project next to his offices at 8820 Russell Road, near the Las Vegas Beltway.
He had been returning to the U.S. on a flight from London before his arrest by U.S. Custom's agents. The secretary of state's office is handling the case.
