Crime & Safety

UPDATED: Scarsdale Lawyer Accused of Illegal Travel to Cuba; Released on $1M Bond

Marc Verzani charged with violating Trading With the Enemy Act, witness tampering and obstruction of justice.

Mark Verzani, a Scarsdale lawyer accused of taking an illegal business trip to Cuba, was released from White Plains Federal Court this afternoon on a $1 million bond.

According to a U.S. Department of Justice press officer, the bond was secured by Verzani's home in Scarsdale (for which his wife is a co-signer), along with residential and commercial properties owned by his father, Seattle lawyer Robert Verzani.

Verzani, whose case was handled by U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisa Margaret Smith, was represented by Manhattan attorney Patricia Pileggi.

Find out what's happening in Scarsdalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Verzani, 45, of Claremont Road and Adem Arici, 49, of Brooklyn were arrested by federal agents on Thursday and charged with conspiring to violate the federal Trading With the Enemy Act and witness tampering, according to the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. Veranzi received an additional charge of obstruction of justice. 

According to reports, Verzani flew to Cuba for five days in September, where he met with Arici and engaged in business interactions. The two men allegedly examined real estate properties for potential purchase and also spent money in Cuba, violating the U.S.'s embargo against the island

Find out what's happening in Scarsdalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Agents said that Verzani, and a third party traveled to Cancun before flying to Cuba to meet up with Arici on Sept. 8. After staying in Cuba for five days, Verzani and the unidentified third party returned to the U.S., where Verzani lied on declaration papers, claiming that he had only been to Mexico. 

Verzani allegedly also lied about his trip to Cuba during an Oct. 11 hearing in federal court during an unrelated case. 

"As alleged, these defendants were prepared to place their business interests before compliance with a clearly established trade embargo with Cuba," U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara stated. "They then allegedly engaged in a cover-up, which underscores the fact that their conduct was illegal. They will now be held accountable for their crimes." 

Verzani faces up to 25 years in prison, and Arici, 15 years.


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