LAS VEGAS (AP) — A former Las Vegas investment company chief has pleaded not guilty to fraud and money laundering charges in a case alleging he and two other men bilked thousands of Japanese investors out of some $1.5 billion.
A lawyer for 68-year-old Edwin Fujinaga didn't immediately respond Monday to messages about his initial appearance Thursday before a magistrate judge.
Fujinaga was allowed to remain free without bond pending trial Sept. 14.
Two other former top executives with MRI International Inc. — Junzo Suzuki and Paul Suzuki, both of Tokyo — are sought on warrants issued after they were indicted last week.
Fujinaga and the Suzukis each face fraud charges, and Fujinaga faces three additional money laundering counts.
If convicted, each could face decades in prison and the forfeiture of millions of dollars.