Detectives Seeking Victims in Con Scam Aimed at the Deaf NR16130pv

Reseda: Detectives are asking
the public’s help in identifying additional victims who might have
fallen prey to a confidence scheme, aimed at the Deaf
Community.

“Hussein Ibrahaim Dheini
preyed on fellow deaf persons,” said Det. Tracey Angeles, head of
LAPD’s West Valley Robbery Table. “Being deaf and fluent in
American Sign Language (ASL), he took advantage of their trust and
goodwill to steal nearly a half million dollars among three
persons, and we think there could be more victims.”

The first victim came forward 10 days ago, explaining how Dheini
extorted money on the pretense of business loans. He never repaid
the loans then pressured the victim for more and more money, to the
point of using duress and causing fear, which raised the con to
robbery. Two more victims have since come forward with similar
stories, but with smaller losses.

Detectives served a search warrant on Dheini’s Northridge home,
April 20, 2016, in the 9400 block of Corbin Avenue, and arrested
him on a single charge of robbery. His bail was set at
$50,000.

“Con-men, like Dheini, count on victims feeling shame and
embarrassment for falling for a scam,” Det. Angeles added. “But we
want to encourage any potential victim to come forward and reassure
them that their naiveté was merely a sign of their kindness and
good nature.”

Hussein Ibrahaim Dheini, 37, is a Lebanese national, in the USA on
an expired student visa. He was provided a Certified ASL
Interpreter during all aspects of his contact with police.

Police encourage the public to seek out advice of trusted family
members, friends, or professional financial advisors prior to
entering into large money transactions.

West Valley Detective personnel will be available April 21, 2016,
from 8AM until 3PM for media interviews.

Anyone with information is urged to call Detective III Tracey
Angeles, West Valley Robbery detectives, at 818-374-7740. During
non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to
(877) LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous
should call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (800-222-8477).
Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number
274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text
messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go
to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.