NEW JERSEY — Real estate influencer and investor Cesar Humberto Pina, known online as “Flipping NJ,” has been indicted by a federal grand jury in connection with an alleged multimillion-dollar Ponzi-style scheme that defrauded dozens of investors across the United States.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Pina faces six federal charges:
Two counts of wire fraud
One count of money laundering conspiracy
Two counts of money laundering
One count of bribery
The indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, who stated that Pina not only misappropriated millions in investor funds but also laundered money linked to narcotics traffickers and bribed a public official in Paterson, New Jersey.
“This multi-year torrent of criminal activity hurt investors around the United States, facilitated the scourge of narcotics trafficking, and undermined confidence in our public officials,” said Habba.
Social Media Fame, Financial Fraud
Between 2017 and the present, Pina built a social media following by promoting real estate seminars and partnering with a celebrity DJ to market investment opportunities. He promised investors returns of 30% or more, claiming the funds would be used to buy, renovate, and flip properties.
However, authorities allege that Pina used new investor funds to pay off earlier ones, following a Ponzi-like structure, while also diverting money toward personal and unauthorized business expenses.
Drug Money Laundering and Bribery
Court documents detail how Pina also laundered what he believed were drug trafficking proceeds, part of a sting operation involving undercover agents. Prosecutors say he even conspired to clean money for known narcotics traffickers.
In a separate but related offense, Pina allegedly bribed a Paterson public official with cash and other perks to obtain favorable zoning approvals for his “Old School 5” redevelopment project.
Severe Legal Penalties
Each wire fraud charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000 or twice the amount defrauded. The money laundering and conspiracy charges carry similar penalties, with fines up to $500,000 or double the amount laundered. The bribery charge alone carries up to 10 years in prison.
Pina’s arraignment date has not yet been scheduled.
