Ramsey Car Dealer Owner Charged With Wire Fraud

By Anthony Bellano

An Ramsey auto dealership owner has been charged by complaint with allegedly engaging in a pattern of fraudulent activity, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced on Tuesday.

Afzal Khan, a/k/a “Bobby Khan,” 32, of Egg Harbor Township, was charged with one count of wire fraud and is currently being sought by police.

Khan, through Emporio Motor Group, allegedly engaged in acts to defraud lenders to Emporio and customers of the dealership from at least December of 2013 to September of this year, according to the complaint unsealed on Tuesday.

Khan allegedly obtained loans from the auto finance division of a large bank for cars that he never delivered, but for which the buyer was still responsible.

He allegedly also obtained loans from the bank for cars that were delivered, but for which neither he nor Emporio had the title.

As a result, those who purchased the cars were liable for the loan, but could not register the vehicles.

Additionally, Khan offered to sell cars for individuals on consignment, but allegedly neither returned the cars nor provided any money from car sales.

For example, Emporio submitted a loan application in February of 2014 for about $150,000 for the sale of a 2013 Rolls Royce.

The victim who had intended to purchase the car had signed the necessary paperwork for the purchase and financing of the car, but never received the vehicle.

Khan himself sent some loan payment checks – some of which he stopped or were returned for insufficient funds – but failed to pay the balance on the car.

The true owner of the Rolls Royce told law enforcement that it had never even been sold to Khan or left the owner’s possession.

His actions have potentially exposed the bank to $1.7 million in losses. More than 75 people have filed complaints concerning Khan’s actions at Emporio.

The charge of wire fraud carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of the greater of $250,000 or twice the gross profits to Khan or twice the gross loss suffered to the victims of the offense.

Fishman credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Aaron T. Ford in Newark; as well as officers of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor John L. Molinelli, and the Borough of Ramsey Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Bryan H. Gurney, Chief of Police, with the investigation.