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Fraud

Attorney General Tong Seeks $2.5 Million Prejudgment Remedy in Fraudulent Cannabis License-for-Sale Scheme

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong has taken drastic measures to combat a fraudulent scheme involving the sale of cannabis licenses. The scheme, allegedly perpetrated by MAKECTBETTER LLC, its principal Michael Tedesco, and affiliate Zafir Iqbal, involved forged documents and tens of thousands of dollars in payments from over 70 businesses. Attorney General Tong has filed a complaint in Hartford Superior Court, alleging numerous violations of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act.

Key Takeaways:

  • Attorney General Tong has sued MAKECTBETTER LLC, its principal Michael Tedesco, and affiliate Zafir Iqbal for a fraudulent cannabis license-for-sale scheme.
  • The scheme involved forged documents and tens of thousands of dollars in payments from over 70 businesses.
  • The defendants misrepresented to Connecticut retailers that they were part of a fictional state "pilot program" that authorized them to sell exclusive cannabis licenses and cannabis supply.
  • The complaint alleges numerous violations of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act, including the sale of illegal, unregulated, and untested cannabis products.
  • Attorney General Tong has applied for a $2.5 million prejudgment remedy to freeze the defendants' assets and prevent them from offloading or shifting resources to evade accountability.
  • The complaint details schemes in New Milford, New Haven, and Manchester, where the defendants allegedly perpetrated the scam by selling forged documents to business owners.
  • Assistant Attorneys General Joseph Gasser and Jonathan Blake, under the supervision of Deputy Associate Attorney General Michael Wertheimer, are assisting the Attorney General in this matter.

Statistics:

  • Over 70 businesses were targeted by the fraudulent scheme.
  • The defendants allegedly collected tens of thousands of dollars in payments from these businesses.
  • The complaint alleges numerous violations of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act.
  • Attorney General Tong has applied for a $2.5 million prejudgment remedy.

Sources:

  • [Connecticut Attorney General's Office]
  • [Original text here: https://portal.ct.gov/ag/press-releases/2025-press-releases/attorney-general-tong-seeks-2-5-million-prejudgment-remedy]

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