Mahender Makhijani, 44 Indian origin Financier accused of defrauding Western Union Bank of nearly $100 million. He allegedly forged title insurance policies to inflate the value of the property on which he promised to obtain a loan. He was also accused of hosting sex parties and using them to pressure attendees, the New York Post reported.
“Arrested from his mansion”
Bill Essayli, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, confirmed Mahijani was arrested Wednesday. The defendant was detained by armed federal agents at his Newport Beach mansion.
“Mahender Makhijani, 44, a legal permanent resident from India, residing in Corona del Mar [California]was arrested this morning on a federal criminal indictment charging him with fraud bank Nearly $100 million,” Essayli tweeted.
What is Mahender Makhijani accused of?
“Cantor Group V LLC, a Newport Beach-based company controlled by Makhijani, entered into a loan agreement that required it to commit first-lien real estate loans only to victim banks. Makhijani falsified title policies from September 2024 to April 2025 to make it appear that Cantor had a first lien when other creditors were ahead. Makhijani and his subordinates at Adobe Forged documents, altered metadata, and submitted falsified records to victim banks while also providing misleading information for explanation during calls and in spreadsheets,” Essayli shared.
Administration officials added that if convicted of the charges, “Makhijani faces a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison.”
He is expected to make his first appearance in U.S. District Court in Santa Ana, California.
“Our nation’s economy and welfare depend on a healthy banking system. When lenders are defrauded, there are downstream consequences for consumers and businesses,” Essaly added at the end of his tweet.
He also shared, “All defendants are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law.”
“Accused of threats and intimidation”
According to court documents and witness statements, Mahijani allegedly used relentless threats and intimidation, often with violence, to gain an upper hand over business rivals. He is also allegedly responsible for more than $1.3 billion in losses from real estate deals with businessman Mohammad Honarkar.
“He will destroy my reputation in Laguna. He will ensure that my children and grandchildren live on the streets. He will make my life miserable,” the colleague, Honaka, told the outlet. “That’s what he said.”
