Will Packer Productions, a US film company, and Mo Abudu’s
EbonyLife Studios have acquired rights to make a movie based on Bloomberg’s
article about Hushpuppi, the self-confessed international fraudster.
Hushpuppi, who is known for his luxury life, had been
arrested in the UAE in June 2020 alongside 11 of his associates over
allegations bordering on hacking, impersonation, scamming, banking fraud, and
identity theft.
His extradition to the US had followed after the UAE police
detailed his arrest in a special operation dubbed ‘Fox Hunt 2’ where he was
accused of defrauding 1.9 million victims to the tune of N168 billion.
Hushpuppi was arraigned and detained at the Metropolitan
Correctional Center (MCC) in Chicago ahead of his trial.
But the socialite recently pleaded guilty to the money
laundering charges against him, which puts him at the risk of 20 years
imprisonment.
According to Deadline, Abudu and Packer are now teaming up
to develop an untitled project based on a detailed article authored about
Hushpuppi by Evan Ratliff, a Bloomberg journalist who covered the cyber fraud
case.
It is understood that both companies competitively won the
rights and set up the project at Universal Pictures.
Packer and James Lopez will produce through their Will
Packer Productions, with Abudu using her own EbonyLife TV.
Speaking on the project, Abudu said: “EbonyLife is uniquely
positioned to ensure the depth and authenticity of this film. This is why we
needed to partner with a major Hollywood producer like Will Packer Productions.
“They are equally invested in telling stories that resonate
with our audiences. We understand the environment of poverty and deprivation
that breeds highly talented and fundamentally flawed characters like Hushpuppi.
“And WPP knows how to create stories with global appeal.”
On his part, Packer said: “Ten months ago, Mo pitched us a
rich and entertaining concept steeped in Nigerian culture that can only be told
with the help of her unique perspective.
“Together we knew Evan’s work was the definitive telling and
the perfect anchor of this saga.”
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