Pak beauty queen Hasnain may not face trial in US in alleged mortgage scam

Washington, Apr 1(ANI): Former Mrs. Pakistan Saman Hasnain, who has been charged with scamming dozens of California families, is likely to stay in the United States with her husband, without facing a trial because Pakistan has no extradition treaty with the US.

Hasnain has been charged with 19 felony counts of conspiracy to commit grand theft. Her husband, Jawad, is facing an additional nine counts for allegedly luring even more victims between 2006 and 2010 in a fraudulent 10-unit condominium redevelopment.

Prosecutors alleged Hasnain, described as having "almond shaped eyes, flawless skin, and full beautiful lips" on her pageant profile, relied heavily on her looks to entice her victims, ABC News reports.

She and her husband allegedly posted advertisements in local ethnic supermarkets in the San Jose area, promising homeowners they could secure new mortgages for them at cheaper rates and duped between 80 and 100 homeowners.

According to the Santa Clara District Attorney's Office, the couple put their victims' money into an escrow account, and promised a full refund if they couldn't get the loans refinanced.

But the fine print of the contracts allowed Jawad to withdraw everything from the escrow account and number of victims lost their homes.

If convicted, Saman could face at least four years behind bars, and Jawad close to 20. (ANI)