Swizz Beatz Affiliate Linked To Crime Ring

Nazreth Derboghossian was one of three suspects taken into custody last week (ends22Jan10). He was slapped with 102 felony counts after being accused of cheating a bank out of $750,000 (£468,750) and laundering millions of dollars from various business ventures from Mexico.

The charges include conspiracy, fraudulent schemes, assisting in a criminal syndicate and theft by extortion, according to XXLmag.com.

Derboghossian's girlfriend, Jodi Upton, has also been linked to the crime ring, but police have yet to file any charges against her.

Hip-hop star Beatz reportedly met the couple via rapper DMX and reportedly helped them to set up a small empire of nightclubs and car dealerships. The producer has reportedly bought 25 vehicles from Derboghossian over the years.

The beatmaker has refused to comment on the reports.