Belgian Businessman Accused of $600K Immigration Fraud Scheme

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A 64-year-old businessman is accused of a major fraud scheme that allegedly bilked five people out of more than half-a-million dollars.

Prosecutors say that Jean Paul Michielsen, a Belgian national with permanent residency, carried out the scheme from November 2023 to December 2024.

He denied six counts of fraud by false pretenses at his arraignment before Senior Magistrate Kendra Kelly-Burrows.

Prosecutors alleged that Michielsen collected $547, 243.20 from five people during the charged period to assist them with getting immigration status in the country.

Michielsen’s trial is set to begin on April 22.

He has to wear an ankle bracelet and check in with police as a condition of his $115,000 bail.