The FBI is now searching for a 73‑year‑old woman who allegedly defrauded banks of nearly $30 million by posing as an heiress.
The Fraud Scheme
Mary Carole McDonnell, who uses several aliases, is wanted for a scheme that began in July 2017 and ended in May 2018. She is accused of posing as an heiress to the McDonnell Aircraft family and claiming an $80 million secret trust.
Business Background
McDonnell was the chief executive officer of the now‑defunct Burbank production company Bellum Entertainment LLC. The company struggled to meet financial obligations, and federal documents show she owed more than $1 million to creditors.
Legal Actions
The FBI says she fraudulently obtained approximately $14.7 million from Banc of California, a bank headquartered in Los Angeles. Other financial institutions were also defrauded, with an estimated loss of over $15 million. A federal arrest warrant was issued in December 2018 after she was charged with bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Current Status
The FBI believes McDonnell is living in Dubai and has issued a warrant for her arrest.
Key Takeaways
- FBI seeks 73‑year‑old Mary Carole McDonnell, accused of defrauding banks of $30 million by posing as a McDonnell Aircraft heiress. She allegedly stole $14.7 million.
- McDonnell was CEO of Bellum Entertainment LLC, which owed over $1 million to creditors.
- A federal warrant was issued in December 2018; she is believed to be in Dubai.
The case highlights the FBI’s ongoing efforts to track high‑profile financial fraudsters across international borders.
