Michael Jackson fashion designer ‘ripped off Russian socialite’

A fashion designer who claimed to be the owner of a perfume created by Michael Jackson has appeared in court charged with a series of fraud offences.

HRH Arfaq, 50, who changed his name from Arfaq Hussain, also claimed he had an agreement with the Brunei Royal Family to buy 200 Ghost bags in a deal worth £48 million.

Arfaq, who describes himself as a ‘reclusive genius’ and claims he designed some of Jackson’s most memorable clothes.

He is accused of two counts of fraud, one count of theft, and one count of acquiring criminal property.

It is alleged that between 2017 and 2018, Arfaq defrauded Russian socialite Natalia Rotenberg, falsely claiming he was entitled to £150,000 for ‘developing her brand’.

He assured Ms Rotenberg, who is the ex-wife of Vladimir Putin’s judo partner, he was in the process of producing a ‘Natalia Rosenberg branded pen’ and presentation box with luxury pen brand Montegrappa.

Arfaq also claimed he had ordered a fibre optic folding roof system for Ms Rotenberg’s Bentley Convertible, which he is also charged with stealing.

Althea Moore, prosecuting, told the court: ‘Ms Rosenberg believed she had entered into a business transaction with Mr Arfaq.

‘She believed that there was a brand which the defendant, Mr Arfaq, would assist her with creating bespoke handbags and fragrances and personalised items.

‘After some time they became involved in a romantic relationship as she continued to supply money which she believed was being used for a legitimate business venture.’

Arfaq is also charged with defrauding Deborah Martinelli Bonavia, a high-end designer, between 2018 and 2020.

It is alleged that Arfaq sold Ms Bonavia a fragrance which he claimed was made by Michael Jackson.

Arfaq told Ms Bonavia the fragrance was worth £44 million but charged her £370,000.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court wearing a black hoodie and black jeans, to deny all charges against him.

On his website, Arfaq claims to have been ‘personally appointed by Michael Jackson to become “Head of Personal Management”’.

He also claims to have ‘devoted hundreds of hours to the creation of some of Michael’s most memorable pieces’.

Among these ‘memorable pieces’ Arfaq claims to have created Jackson’s ‘Healing Hands’ glove and iconic black suede slippers.

Graham Atkins, 54, a partner at law firm Atkins Thomson, also appeared charged with assisting Mr Hussain’s fraudulent activity.

Atkins denied two counts of making an article for use in fraud.

It is alleged that Atkins falsified documents claiming to legitimise the link between Mr Arfaq and the Michael Jackson foundation.

Arfaq of Fern Close, Batley, Yorkshire and Atkins, of Fleet Street, central London, were released on conditional bail ahead of a hearing at Inner London Crown Court on 9 September.