HE WAS RUNNING A LEGITIMATE BUSINESS

Hushpuppi’s lawyer, Gal Pissetzky, has denied that he was involved in fraud and money laundering activities. 

Pissetzky told Forbes that his client was running a legitimate business and a very legitimate Instagram account, and did not take part in any scam or fraud.

He said “Absolutely not guilty of [the] charges they are accusing him of. Abbas was running a legitimate business and a very legitimate Instagram account and did not take part in any scam or fraud.” 

“He's an entrepreneur. He has real estate involvement ... [he's] an Instagram personality. He was promoting brands and that's how he was very legitimately making his money.” 

Hushpuppi who is currently being held at MCC Chicago pending a bail hearing, faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. A hearing in Chicago on Monday July 13, will determine if Abbas will be detained pending trial.