A Florida man pleaded guilty to impersonating a member of Saudi Arabia's royal family as part of a fraud scheme that netted him several millions of dollars.
Anthony Gignac, 47, admitted to a Florida court using various aliases to make it appear that he was a member of Saudi Arabia's ruling al-Saud dynasty, the Associated Press reported Tuesday citing a news release by federal prosecutors.
The conman, who used the name "Sultan Bin Khalid Al Saud" among other aliases, faces a lengthy prison sentence, after pleading guilty last week.
Using his fake Saudi identity, Gignanc persuaded investors to plough millions into business contracts that didn't exist. He and his co-conspirators stole $8 from investors worldwide, spending the money on Ferraris, Rolls Royces, Rolex watches, Cartier jewelry and a two-bedroom condo in an exclusive area of Miami, reported the Miami Herald.
Gignac reportedly drove a Ferrari with a Saudi diplomatic number plate, and had the nameplate "Sultan" placed on his front door and business cards.
"He falsely told others that he had diplomatic immunity and was required to check in with the U.S. Department of State every few hours," the U.S. attorney's office said. "Gignac was given gifts, including expensive paintings and jewelry, based on his false representations."
His sentencing is scheduled for August 27.
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