COLUMBUS, Ohio – A former Ohio man has pleaded guilty to fraud charges that include related allegations he cheated Miami Heat basketball players out of millions of dollars.
A 135-count indictment filed last year described a scheme under which Haider Zafar (HAY'-dur ZAH'-fahr) allegedly swindled a Washington businessman out of $10 million between 2008 and 2010.
A witness who testified against Zafar in August alleged Zafar also defrauded Heat players, including former forward Mike Miller.
Zafar on Thursday pleaded guilty to wire fraud, money laundering and tax evasion charges before federal Judge Edmund Sargus in Columbus.
Zafar's plea deal includes his willingness to resolve a possible federal investigation in Florida.
An IRS agent testified in court that Zafar laundered money by purchasing $30,000 watches and cars costing more than $100,000.
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