The Michigan native was arrested in February after allegedly running a major loan fraud scheme
Federal prosecutors have requested more time to build a fraud case against Michigan poker player George Janssen, who was accused by the FBI last month of running a multi-million dollar auto loan scheme. The US Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a motion asking for an extension until May 28 to formally indict Janssen, citing the need for additional time to review evidence.
Janssen was arrested on February 28 following a complaint filed by the FBI in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Typically, an indictment must be filed within 30 days of an arrest, but both prosecutors and Janssen’s legal team agreed that more time was necessary to analyze the case. US Magistrate Judge Patricia T. Morris approved the request, setting a new deadline for the indictment and rescheduling a preliminary hearing for May 28 at 2:00 PM Eastern.
The allegations against Janssen stem from his involvement in a fraudulent loan operation. A former used car dealer and a well-known poker player with multiple World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) rings, Janssen is accused of orchestrating a scheme that led to more than $3.93 million in fraudulent auto loans. Investigators claim he directed friends and family members to take out vehicle loans under false pretenses, many of which went unpaid.
His legal troubles escalated in late 2023 when he vanished for weeks, later claiming he had been held captive as part of an extortion plot. Around the same time, he lost his license to sell cars in Michigan and allegedly deposited $1.4 million in bad checks. Several associates later approached law enforcement, stating they had been misled into taking out loans on his behalf.
Janssen appeared in court on February 28 and was released on bail. While no formal charges have been filed yet, the extended deadline allows prosecutors to build their case before the May hearing.
