Man threatened, assaulted Chicago restaurant owner over debt: indictment

A federal grand jury has indicted a Moroccan man accused of attempting to extort money from a Chicago restaurateur by using threats and violence.

The indictment, returned Monday in U.S. District Court, charges 45-year-old Jawad Fakroune—also known as "Angelino Escobar" or "Anjelino Escobar"—with extortion.

What we know:

According to a previously filed criminal complaint, Fakroune loaned about $405,000 to the restaurateur in 2023 and 2024 to help open a restaurant in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. While part of the loan was repaid, a dispute arose in November 2024 over the remaining balance.

On Nov. 25, 2024, prosecutors say Fakroune went to the restaurant and demanded $1.5 million. He then allegedly choked, kicked, and punched the restaurateur while threatening his life and the lives of his family members.

What's next:

Fakroune is scheduled for arraignment on Feb. 5 in Chicago before U.S. District Judge Manish Shah.

The Source: The information in this article was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Illinois.

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