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Scam-hit DJ Envy Faces Flak From Other Victims of the Scheme; Here's why he is Being Blamed

Envy not only lost a significant amount of money in the scheme but has also had his name wrongly associated with it by those seeking to exploit the situation for their gain
PUBLISHED NOV 25, 2023
DJ Envy attends the 2021 BET Hip Hop Awards/ GettyImages/ Photo by Derek White/WireImage
DJ Envy attends the 2021 BET Hip Hop Awards/ GettyImages/ Photo by Derek White/WireImage

In the world of investments and financial schemes, it's not uncommon for the line between victims and perpetrators to be blurred. Recently, a case involving DJ Envy, a well-known radio host, and Cesar Pina, a man accused of orchestrating a fraudulent investment scheme has created a buzz in showbiz circles. The situation raises a complex question: is DJ Envy a victim or a perpetrator in this scheme? The answer may not be that simple.

Pina, the alleged mastermind behind this financial scheme, has left a trail of victims in his wake. It is important to recognize that Envy, a popular figure in the entertainment industry, is not just a radio host but also a victim in this case, according to his attorney, D'Angelo. Envy not only lost a significant amount of money in the scheme but has also had his name wrongly associated with Pina by those seeking to exploit the situation for their gain.

DJ Envy attends DJ Envy's Drive Your Dreams Car Show at Georgia World Congress Center on July 03, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia/ Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images
DJ Envy attends DJ Envy's Drive Your Dreams Car Show/ Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images

The claim that DJ Envy is a victim, rather than a perpetrator, in this scheme has triggered outrage among those who are pursuing legal action against Pina. Derik Deangelo, one of the nine claimants represented by attorney Schachtel, finds this assertion offensive. He raises the valid question about DJ Envy's failure to alert the public about his losses until federal authorities became involved in the case. Some see Envy's stance as an attempt to cast himself as a victim, even though he might be aware of the scheme's risks.

Deangelo's personal experience sheds light on the devastating impact of Pina's alleged fraudulent activities. He had taken out a $100,000 loan against his home to invest with Pina, only to realize this summer that he had fallen victim to a scam. The financial damage was not just limited to his investment; it forced Deangelo to sell off his assets, including the vehicles he had been using to start a small rental business.

 DJ Envy attends the BET Awards 2021 at Microsoft Theater on June 27, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for BET
DJ Envy attends the BET Awards 2021 at/ Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for BET

The question raised by Derik Deangelo is both pertinent and thought-provoking. Why did DJ Envy not raise the alarm earlier? Some individuals argue that his current portrayal as a victim may be a response to the mounting lawsuits surrounding the case. Deangelo argues that Envy could have potentially prevented others from falling victim to the same scheme if he had spoken up about it earlier.

In defense of DJ Envy, while some may perceive his recent claims of victimhood as self-serving, there could be valid reasons for his silence in the past. It is essential to remember that victims of financial fraud schemes often face immense pressure and fear. They may be reluctant to come forward due to concerns about the repercussions on their reputation and livelihood. In addition to that, they might not fully comprehend the extent of the fraud until it's too late.


 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Raashaun Casey (@djenvy)


 

Financial fraud cases are not always easy to detect, especially for the victims who may lack expertise in the financial industry. In this context, DJ Envy's silence might not necessarily be a sign of complicity but rather a reflection of his initial lack of awareness regarding the extent of the scheme's deceptiveness.

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