oram Izhak, a well-known real estate developer and convicted felon, has come under scrutiny for his political donations in Broward County. Izhak is the owner and CEO of several companies, including Lauderhill Mall Investment LLC, and has been linked to allegations of fraud and money laundering.
The “Citizens for Effective Law Enforcement,” a political committee supporting Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel, reported in its campaign filings that it received $20,000 from Izhak— $5,000 personally and another $15,000 through companies registered to his address in North Miami. The contributions were made during a fundraiser for Sheriff Israel at the ranch of developer and garbage company owner Ron Bergeron.
In recent years, Izhak has reportedly invested $200 million into property acquisitions, including the Lauderhill Mall and the Lakes Mall. However, his past reveals a troubling history of criminal activity.
Izhak was indicted a decade ago in a large-scale organized crime case involving a syndicate known as “The Corporation” or the “Cuban Mafia,” notorious for their involvement in cocaine trafficking, arson, gambling, and murder. The charges against Izhak included racketeering, illegal gambling, and money laundering, the latter for the crime syndicate. Although the racketeering and illegal gambling charges were dropped, Izhak pleaded guilty to tax evasion and was sentenced to probation.
Despite the gravity of the indictment, Izhak’s attorney, Glenn Widom, maintains his client’s innocence. According to an email from a federal prosecutor in 2011, Izhak was not involved in the criminal activities of the “Cuban Mafia” and was unaware of the illicit origins of the money flowing into his businesses. However, Izhak’s criminal record also includes a 2003 guilty plea for violating airport security by attempting to board a flight at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport with a loaded pistol.
Sheriff Israel did not respond to interview requests regarding his political committee’s acceptance of donations from Izhak. Meanwhile, Citizens for Effective Law Enforcement expressed gratitude for Izhak’s support, claiming it had no prior knowledge of his criminal past. There is currently no indication that the committee plans to return the funds.
Widom, in a recent letter, denied that Izhak had made any donations to the sheriff, contradicting the campaign filings reported to the federal government.
Furthermore, two companies listed in the campaign filings, Domestic Holdings and LFP1, are not registered with the state’s Division of Corporations. “Mr. Izhak is neither an owner, shareholder, manager, partner, officer, employee, nor is Mr. Izhak otherwise affiliated with these two entities,” Widom wrote.
Despite his prolific real estate investments and political donations, not all politicians are keen to associate themselves with Izhak. In 2012, Miami-Dade County rescinded a $3 million grant for a Liberty City shopping mall development after learning of Izhak’s involvement in the project.
As of now, the Broward County Sheriff’s Office has not released an official statement regarding Izhak’s donations or their implications.