In a federal courthouse in Central Islip, Elias Ghanem II, formerly of Las Vegas, has been sentenced to 84 months in prison for his role in a scam that picked the pockets of investors to the tune of approximately $1.4 million. The convict, who entered a guilty plea to charges of wire fraud back in February 2025, was also hit with a restitution order, mandating the repayment of the stolen funds to the beleaguered victims. This development followed announcements from both Joseph Nocella, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and the FBI's New York Field Office Assistant Director in Charge, Christopher G. Raia.
"Today, the defendant received just punishment for defrauding more than a dozen investors, including a retired law enforcement officer whose arm was amputated due to gunshot wounds," stated United States Attorney Nocella. His office, along with their law enforcement partners, remains staunch in their pursuit to bring justice for the victims of such financial machinations. These schemes often entrap those who have already paid a high price in the line of duty, as in the case of the retired officer who invested the settlement from his debilitating injury, only to be deceived.
The court filings and Ghanem's own admissions reveal a dual ruse: Viva Capital Ventures, LLC, the supposed cannabis enterprise, wooed investors with the promise of business expenses such as applications for cannabis distribution licenses in various states. Meanwhile, Friends and Family Hospitality Group (FFHG), the alleged restaurant venture, ostensibly aimed to establish a dining spot in New York City. Nevertheless, instead of fulfilling these business initiatives, Ghanem bled almost $1 million of these investments to sustain a high-flying lifestyle, splurging on a luxury waterfront home and other personal indulgences.
Ghanem's deception extended to using about $200,000 of the FFHG funds to procure jewelry, lease expensive accommodations in Florida, and when confronted by investors, he bounced checks in a piteous attempt to stall. "Elias Ghanem shamelessly stole more than one million dollars from investors of his companies to fund personal purchases," stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia. The FBI declares an unyielding stance against those who egregiously exploit trust for personal gain.
The prosecution of this case was managed by the Criminal Section of the Office's Long Island Division with Assistant United States Attorneys Bradley T. King and Andrew Wang leading the charge, supported by Paralegal Specialist Samantha Schroder and Legal Assistant Danielle Casey.
