My Story - 2 Years & Half A Million Dollars

On 5/1/23, I was approached by Flip to Fund/Trimark, represented by Steve and Tyler, regarding a joint venture opportunity for 837 Linda Flora. I was introduced to Essa Rassool, who coordinated the deal between me and Pearl City/John Mohammad Azadzoi. I conducted research on the project and felt confident in the investment. On 5/4/23, I met John, Essa, John’s notary wife Zarmina Azadzoy, and Jeff McKowen from WFG Title at two banks in Orange County. I wired $350,000. John signed a joint venture agreement on behalf of Pearl City and signed the deed of trust, which the title representative prepared. Zarmina notarized the documents. I took photos of all documents that were time-stamped, and my husband and I took photos and videos of them and their license plate out of concern they would not record the title.

The transaction was intended to be a 5-month project, with John agreeing to cover costs beyond month 8. I continued paying until month 11, and now I am in debt for approximately $550,000 as the property is foreclosing on 4/9/23.

From the start, red flags emerged. Despite the initial agreement, John and his associates required additional funds and significantly extended the timeline. By the fifth month, the home was gutted, and an unpermitted three-story deck was built. In month 9, a stop-work order was issued due to permit violations. The project came to a standstill, but I was still paying an enormous mortgage. John claimed they had run out of money. After investigating further, I discovered that John had misrepresented his experience, available funds, and intentions. I found out that Capital Cove had sold the property to Pearl City. When I asked who Capital Cove was, John told me it was a lender. I later uncovered that his brother, Barnosh Andy Azadzoi, owned Capital Cove, and John was a member of the corporation. Essentially, John had sold the property to himself.

I also contacted Yang Hu, the Director of Pearl City, who claimed to have no involvement with the property. However, after I pointed out his role as president of Pearl City, he admitted that John had used him as a straw buyer, purchasing the property for John because he had good credit and received cash payments. Yang Hu confirmed that John was using him as a straw buyer. I have screenshots of these admissions.

Further investigation revealed more fraudulent practices. John has different corporations and recently removed his wife, Zarmina, from his corporations, transferring properties to her. She is now listed as the seller on 8 active properties without disclosing their relationship. Many of these scams involve pushing investors toward foreclosure and offering low buyouts.

The situation has become more serious as I discovered that John is not part of Pearl City, which is the other titleholder. He has been impersonating another person, Mohammad Elsayed, to secure loans which he did on this property via Churchill funding . Elsayed confirmed that he did not approve the loan, the JV agreement, or sign the documents I have. Azadzoi forged Elsayed's signature at the bank, and Zarmina notarized it despite knowing it was a forgery.

This has gone from a civil issue to a full criminal case. John used multiple fraudulent identities and corporations in an elaborate scheme to defraud investors. He’s involved in a Ponzi scheme in real estate, robbing victims like myself of millions of dollars. He has 10+ foreclosures and 5 active lawsuits. From the victims I know, he has stolen over $4 million. John was arrested last week for domestic violence. 

The property is now in such bad condition that potential buyers have described it as a teardown. The city issued a stop-work order due to unpermitted construction, which occurred without my consent. The payoff amount has increased to $2.9 million, and liens have accumulated from unpaid contractors and taxes. I demanded I get the listing to try to actively sell it as I am a licensed agent but the feedback is the same and many want it for much less. The worth is far below the payoff and the only offer we have received has been for 1.45m.

Despite my efforts to recover my investment, including demanding a buyout, John refused, harassed me, and made threats of foreclosure. I’ve also been contacted by other victims who were defrauded by John. They found me on the title and shared similar stories of financial loss and fraudulent activity.

In total, I have lost $550,000, not including the emotional toll and the devastation caused to my small business, my family, and my future. The property faces foreclosure in just days and Churchill can put a pause while they investigate how Azadzoi impersonated Elsayed and whatever else the lender can do to help the victims. 

I refuse to be silent. I am taking action. I am filing complaints with the Department of Real Estate, the IRS Financial Crimes Unit, the FBI, and the local District Attorney to seek criminal charges. I am also filing a civil suit. I hope my efforts will expose John’s fraudulent scheme, protect future investors from falling into his trap, and help other victims find justice, restitution, and healing.

If you have been affected by John’s fraudulent activities, I urge you to come forward. Together, we can hold him accountable and stop him from destroying more lives. There is strength in numbers when seeking legal action. Share your story so we can stop him from stealing from others.

Nice to meet you.