Pak origin credit card fraud king exposed in US

Washington, Dec 7: A Pakistani of American origin is in big trouble after his son informed the police that his father carried credit cards that did not bear his name.

Saarum Sodagar, 22, of Chicago went to the police after his father, Afzal Sodagar, threatened to kill him following an argument.

Saarum told police his father struck him in the arm and threatened him with a gun, prosecutors said.

The son also allegedly told police that Sodagar's only income was from credit card fraud. Saarum said later, "I wanted (police) to catch him red-handed. "

Officers looking for weapons last week searched the home of Afzal Sodagar and noticed several thick envelopes stuffed with 100 dollars bills, as well as many credit cards in a briefcase.

They found hundreds of credit cards, 11 Illinois identification cards with Sodagar's photos -- but bearing other names -- on them.

Police also found at least 36 Social Security cards, gold coins and bars and more than 60,000 dollars in cash, said a spokesman for the Cook County State's attorney's office.

Bail for Sodagar, 51, was set at three million dollars during in the Skokie branch of Circuit Court.

In his dealings with Chicago's Muslim community, Sodagar, whom family members say uses his middle name, has portrayed himself as the chief executive of a television production company.

But in arguing for the high bail, prosecutors said he apparently has no job.

Officials at the Muslim Community Centre told the Chicago Trinbune that Sodagar was a volunteer but had no corporate responsibilities.

Sodagar has been relieved of his volunteer duties since his arrest, according to the group, the Daily Times reported. (ANI)