The High-Flying Life of a Chicago Con Man

A Man of Many Names

A man known by many names, but none of them his own, is about to face a judge. Jawad Fakroune, or Angelino Escobar, or Giovanni Costello, or any of the other identities he used, lived a life of lies and luxury.

• Told people he was the son of a famous drug lord
• Claimed to be a big shot in the mafia
• Dined with the rich and famous
• Drove fancy cars
• Wore expensive watches

But it was all a lie.

A Life of Crime

Fakroune's life of crime started long before Chicago.

• Moved to the U.S. in the early 2000s
• Convicted of several crimes by 2008
• Spent four years in prison, released in 2012
• By the early 2020s, he was in Chicago, making big promises to investors and spending their money on luxury items

The Downfall

Fakroune's downfall began in November 2024.

• Allegedly beat up a restaurateur over a $1.5 million debt
• Threatened to kill him and his family
• Flew to New York, but the FBI was hot on his trail
• Found in an apartment, he ran out nearly naked, covering himself with a black plastic bag
• Ran for nearly a mile before entering a high-end Italian restaurant, claiming he had been robbed

The Trial

Fakroune is now on trial for extortion, fraud, and tax evasion.

• The trial will reveal the extent of his crimes and the people he encountered
• Unclear how much detail will be presented to the jury
• Fakroune's attorney argues the case comes down to a simple legal question: Was the money Fakroune was trying to collect an extension of credit or just a business deal gone bad?

The Star Witness

The trial will also focus on the credibility of the government's star witness, restaurateur Adolfo Garcia.

• Garcia was not seriously injured in the attack
• Was threatened and beaten by Fakroune

A Cautionary Tale

Fakroune's life of crime is a cautionary tale.

• Shows how easy it is to be fooled by charm and promises
• Shows how the justice system can catch up with even the most cunning criminals