Carrion v. Santiago
Carrion v. Santiago
v.
Defendants.
___________________________________/
Counter-Plaintiffs,
v.
Counter-Defendant.
___________________________________/
hereby files their Answer and Affirmative Defenses to Plaintiff FRABIAN ELI CARRION’s
(“Carrion” or “Plaintiff”) Complaint, and hereby files their Counterclaim, alleging as follows:
JURISDICTION 1
PARTIES
3. Admitted.
4. Admitted.
VENUE
6. Denied.
7. Denied.
GENERAL ALLEGATIONS
8. Denied.
9. Admitted.
11. Denied.
12. Admitted in that Artist recorded and released music while incarcerated, and otherwise
denied.
13. Admitted in that Artist released his debut album on or about July 17, 2018 following his
14. Admitted.
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Defendants adopt the headings provided by Plaintiff in his Complaint for convenience and
reference purposes only.
2
16. Admitted.
17. Admitted that Plaintiff was a member of Company and its Chief Executive Officer, and
otherwise denied.
18. Admitted that Artist has had success in the music industry, engaged in strategic business
partnerships and purchased a professional basketball team in Puerto Rico, and otherwise denied.
19. Admitted that Artist terminated the Management Agreement (attached as Exhibit A to
20. Admitted that Plaintiff was removed as member of Company on or about August 22, 2022,
21. Admitted that Plaintiff was also removed from Company’s bank account, and otherwise
denied.
22. Denied.
23. Defendants reaffirm their responses to paragraph 1-22 above and further responds:
24. This paragraph contains a legal conclusion and therefore no response is required. To the
25. This paragraph contains a legal conclusion and therefore no response is required. To the
26. This paragraph contains a legal conclusion and therefore no response is required. To the
27. This paragraph contains a legal conclusion and therefore no response is required. To the
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COUNT II – UNJUST ENRICHMENT
(Against the Artist and the Company- In the Alternative)
28. Defendants reaffirm their responses to paragraph 1-22 above and further responds:
29. This paragraph contains a legal conclusion and therefore no response is required. To the
30. This paragraph contains a legal conclusion and therefore no response is required. To the
31. This paragraph contains a legal conclusion and therefore no response is required. To the
32. Defendants reaffirm their responses to paragraph 1-22 above and further responds:
33. This paragraph contains a legal conclusion and therefore no response is required. To the
34. This paragraph contains a legal conclusion and therefore no response is required. To the
35. This paragraph contains a legal conclusion and therefore no response is required. To the
36. This paragraph contains a legal conclusion and therefore no response is required. To the
37. This paragraph contains a legal conclusion and therefore no response is required. To the
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COUNT IV – ACCOUNTING
(Against the Artist and the Company)
38. Defendants reaffirm their responses to paragraph 1-22 above and further responds:
39. This paragraph contains a legal conclusion and therefore no response is required. To the
40. This paragraph contains a legal conclusion and therefore no response is required. To the
41. This paragraph contains a legal conclusion and therefore no response is required. To the
AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES
Plaintiff’s claims are barred, in whole or in part, by estoppel and/or waiver to the extent
Plaintiff failed to comply with its contractual and/or professional obligations to Defendants.
Specifically, Plaintiff breached the Management Agreement at issue by, among other things,
significant funds from the Company’s accounts without authorization, which Plaintiff used to fund
his own extravagant lifestyle; to satisfy his and his family’s personal and professional obligations
unrelated to the Defendants; and otherwise to benefit himself to the detriment of the Defendants.
The injuries and damages sustained by Plaintiff, if any, as a result of the purported
occurrences set forth in Plaintiff’s Complaint were caused, in whole or in part, by Plaintiff’s own
fraudulent acts and omissions, and/or other illegal acts and omissions of Plaintiff, including but
not limited to, Plaintiff breaching the Management Agreement at issue by, among other things,
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executing documents in Defendants’ name without Artist’s knowledge, written consent or
significant funds from the Company’s accounts without authorization, which Plaintiff used to fund
his own extravagant lifestyle; to satisfy his and his family’s personal and professional obligations
unrelated to the Defendants; and otherwise to benefit himself to the detriment of the Defendants.
The injuries and damages sustained by Plaintiff, if any, as a result of the purported
occurrences set forth in Plaintiff’s Complaint were caused, in whole or in part, by Plaintiff’s breach
of contract, fault, and failure to act. Examples of such include but are not limited to, Plaintiff
breaching the Management Agreement at issue by, among other things, executing documents in
Defendants’ name without Artist’s knowledge, written consent or ratification, as required by the
Management Agreement, as well as transferring and converting significant funds from the
Company’s accounts without authorization, which Plaintiff used to fund his own extravagant
lifestyle; to satisfy his and his family’s personal and professional obligations unrelated to the
Depending on Plaintiff’s claims at trial, and to the extent Plaintiff alleges oral discussions
and/or modifications, Plaintiff’s claims are barred, in whole or in part, by the parol evidence rule
and/or the statute of frauds to the extent the alleged oral discussions and/or modifications were not
reduced to writing. In fact, the Management Agreement explicitly states that “no modification,
amendment, waiver, or change shall be valid except in a writing signed by both parties hereto.”
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Fifth Affirmative Defense
Plaintiff’s claims are barred, in whole or in part, by the doctrine of unclean hands.
Examples of such include but are not limited to, Plaintiff breaching the Management Agreement
at issue by, among other things, executing documents in Defendants’ name without Artist’s
transferring and converting significant funds from the Company’s accounts without authorization,
which Plaintiff used to fund his own extravagant lifestyle; to satisfy his and his family’s personal
and professional obligations unrelated to the Defendants; and otherwise to benefit himself to the
Plaintiff has failed to state a cause of action upon which relief can be granted. Plaintiff’s
claim for breach of contract against Defendants fails to state a cause of action against Defendants
as Plaintiff committed blatant fraud and unequivocally materially breached the Management
Agreement, prior to Artist’s termination thereof, such that immediate termination, notwithstanding
the notice provision of the Management Agreement was sufficient and equitable. Notwithstanding,
there is no provision in the Management Agreement regarding Defendants being obligated not to
remove Plaintiff as a manager of the Company or not to remove Plaintiff from the Company bank
account. As it relates to Plaintiff’s claim for damages from Artist’s alleged breach of the
Management Agreement and from unjust enrichment, it is axiomatic that Plaintiff cannot, either
possession of, and has already used and converted, millions of dollars belonging to the Defendants
for his own personal and professional benefit to Defendants’ detriment. As a result of Plaintiff’s
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acts, as outlined above, Plaintiff cannot be entitled to a constructive trust and/or an accounting
from Defendants.
Plaintiff’s claims are barred, in whole or in part, because of lack of consideration. Plaintiff
contract-based claims or equitable claims. Plaintiff so blatantly failed to perform his contractual
obligations to Artist under the Management Agreement, and his fiduciary duties to Defendants as
Artist’s manager and the CEO of the Company, that Defendants have lost millions of dollars
already, and may be required to spend significant sums of money to rectify issues created by
Plaintiff. Considering the Management Agreement, obligated Plaintiff “to do all things necessary
and desirable to promote Artist’s career and maximize earnings therefrom,” Plaintiff provided no
To the extent that Plaintiff alleges any recoverable damages in this action, such damages
are subject to set-off. Plaintiff breached the Management Agreement at issue by, among other
things, executing documents in Defendants’ name without Artist’s knowledge, written consent or
significant funds from the Company’s accounts without authorization, which Plaintiff used to fund
his own extravagant lifestyle; to satisfy his and his family’s personal and professional obligations
unrelated to the Defendants; and otherwise to benefit himself to the detriment of the Defendants.
In doing so, Plaintiff has caused Defendants to lose millions of dollars for which Defendants are
rightfully entitled, and thus, even if Plaintiff is entitled to damages in connection with his claims,
such damages will be far less than the damage Plaintiff’s acts have caused to Defendants.
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RESERVATION OF RIGHTS TO AMEND AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES
Defendants reserve the right to allege additional affirmative defenses as they may present
JURY DEMAND
through undersigned counsel, and pursuant to Rule 1.170 of the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure,
1. This is an action for, among other things, fraud, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary
duty, and conversion stemming from the unequivocal failures of Carrion to perform his
contractual obligations to, and act in the best interest of, the Counter-Plaintiffs. The contract at
the forefront of this action––i.e., the contract which expressly set forth Carrion’s obligations to,
and authority to act on behalf of, the Counter-Plaintiffs, and through which Carrion carried out
his fraudulent scheme to exploit the Counter-Plaintiffs by, among numerous other acts and
omissions, grossly exceeding his authority––is the Management Agreement between Artist and
Carrion dated March 8, 2019 (the “Management Agreement”). See Plaintiff’s Complaint, at
Exhibit A.
2. In fact, in complete and utter contravention of his contractual and fiduciary duties; all
reasonable sense of morality; and his years long friendship with Artist, which led Artist to place
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his full trust in Carrion, Carrion (i) entered into contracts, and executed binding documents in
connection therewith, on behalf of the Counter-Plaintiffs without Artist’s knowledge, and Artist’s
written consent or ratification, as required by the Management Agreement and otherwise; (ii)
conspired with third parties to hike prices on, among other things, real estate, private jets and
automobiles in return for “kickbacks”; and (iii) ultimately, bilked Counter-Plaintiffs out of
3. Carrion thereafter used the stolen monies to fund his own extravagant lifestyle; to satisfy
his and his family’s personal and professional obligations unrelated to the Counter-Plaintiffs; and
4. Artist, known professionally as Anuel AA, is an individual resident of the State of Florida,
and a widely acclaimed recording artist in the Latin trap music genre. Artist is otherwise sui juris.
5. Company is a Florida limited liability company organized pursuant to the laws of the State
6. Carrion is an individual resident of the State of Florida, and is otherwise sui juris.
7. This Court has jurisdiction over this Counterclaim because it arises out of the same
transaction or occurrence that is the subject matter of the Plaintiff’s Complaint, and because the
8. Venue is appropriate in Miami-Dade County, Florida pursuant to the express terms of the
Management Agreement, and because a significant amount of the events and transactions
underling this Counterclaim, as well as the damages suffered as a result of Carrion’s acts and
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9. All conditions precedent to maintaining this action have occurred, been performed or
GENERAL ALLEGATIONS
10. Artist began his rise to superstardom in approximately 2010. He released his first album,
entitled “Real Hasta la Muerte,” in July of 2017. 2 In fact, Artist was “one of the Boricua,” i.e.,
native Puerto Rican, rappers, “who spearheaded the Latin trap movement.” Id,
11. The album was wildly successful, leading to Artist being named the Artist of the Year,
Favorite Male Artist and Favorite Urban Artist, and the album being named the Album of the
Year and Favorite Urban Album, at the 2019 Latin American Music Awards. 3
12. Artist was also named the New Artist of the Year at the 2019 Billboard Latin Music
Awards, as well as being nominated as the Top Latin Artist at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards,
with the album also being nominated for Top Latin Album of the Year by both publications. 4
13. Artist has continued to have significant financial success, both in the music industry, and
through alternative business endeavors, and has been nominated for a number of other awards
14. Artist and Carrion had been friends for some time, yet despite their friendship, and despite
Carrion having earned significant sums of money over the years acting as Artist’s representative
2
See Paul Simpson, Anuel AA – Artist Biography, https://www.allmusic.com/artist/anuel-aa-
mn0003551236/biography (last visited November 10, 2022).
3
See Jessica Rolz, Latin American Music Awards 2019: See the Complete List of Nominees,
Billboard (September 4, 2019), https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/latin-amas-2019-
nominations-list-8528783/.
4
See Jennifer Drysdale, Billboard Latin Music Awsrds 2019: All of the Best Performances,
Biggest Winners and Most Memorable Moments, ET Online (April 7, 2019),
https://www.etonline.com/billboard-latin-music-awards-live-updates-today-2019-04-25; see also
Joe Lynch, 2019 Billboard Music Award Winners: The Complete List, Billboard (May 1, 2019),
https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/billboard-music-awards-2019-winners-list-8509655/.
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in the entertainment industry, and as a direct result of Artist’s personal successes, Carrion
maliciously exploited that friendship, breached his obligations and fiduciary duties to the
Counter-Plaintiffs, and conspired with third parties to defraud the Counter-Plaintiffs out of
15. On or about June 20, 2018, Artist and Carrion first entered into a contractual agreement in
connection with Carrion’s representation of Artist. The letter of intent, attached as Exhibit A
hereto, entitled Carrion to act as Artist’s exclusive manager in the entertainment industry–defined
16. In consideration for Carrion’s services thereunder, Artist agreed to pay Carrion ten percent
(10%) of gross income earned from Artist’s endeavors in the entertainment industry. Notably,
from the outset of the relationship, it was understood and agreed that Carrion was to “seek the
consent or ratification of [Artist] for each business before approving it.” Id.
17. The Company, named after Artist’s first album, was created on or about July 30, 2018 for
the purposes of performing certain functions, including acting as a loan-out entity, in connection
with Artist’s music and business endeavors. As indicated by the Company’s Articles of
Organization, Artist was the Company’s initial registered agent, sole authorized representative,
and sole member/manager. See Exhibit B, Initial Articles of Organization for the Company.
18. On or about August 30, 2018, and based upon the advice of, and representations made by,
Carrion, Counter-Plaintiffs entered into an Attorney-Client Contingency Agreement with the law
firm Singh, Singh & Trauben (“SST”), and firm partner, Simran Singh (“Singh”), pursuant to
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which Artist and Company agreed to pay SST seven percent (7%) of all Compensation (as defined
connection with any agreement for which Attorney [SST] has rendered any services” during the
19. At Carrion’s urging, and based on Simran’s representations, Artist eventually acquiesced
in entering into the SST Agreement, which was drafted by Singh and/or one of Singh’s associates
20. On or about October 25, 2018, the Counter-Plaintiffs entered into an Administration
Agreement with Kobalt Music Services America, Inc. (“Kobalt”), through which Kobalt was
granted specified rights, including the right to administer and exploit certain musical
21. The Kobalt Agreement required all payments made to Kobalt, and/or otherwise owed to
Artist thereunder, to be made directly to the Company, with Carrion being named an authorized
Kobalt’s uses of Artist’s musical compositions contemplated therein. Id. (emphasis added).
22. Counter-Plaintiffs received an advance deposit from Kobalt in connection with the Kobalt
Agreement on or about November 14, 2018, and approximately one-week later, ten percent (10%)
of the advance deposit was paid by the Company to Carrion, as agreed pursuant to the Letter of
Intent, see Exhibit A. In actuality, Carrion was overpaid in that he received ten percent (10%) of
Artist’s earnings prior to deductions for production costs, and other necessary expenses.
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IV. Artist and Carrion Expand Their Professional Relationship
23. On or about March 8, 2019, Artist and Carrion entered into a long form Management
24. Significantly, the impetus to approach Artist regarding entering into the long form
Management Agreement came from Singh, who subsequently induced Artist into entering into
the agreement by representing to Artist that he would personally review, and advise and act as
(b) Manager agrees to use best efforts to devote himself to Artist’s career
in the entertainment business and to do all things necessary and
desirable to promote Artist’s career and maximize earnings therefrom;
and
(c) Artist hereby authorizes and empowers Manager, and Manager agrees
subject to the limitations set forth herein this Agreement: to [among
other things] (a) to represent, advise and assist Artist in fixing the terms
governing all manner of disposition, use, employment or exploitation of
Artist’s talent and the products thereof … (c) to supervise Artist’s
professional employment in the Entertainment Business on Artist’s
behalf and consult with employers and prospective employers so as to
assure the proper use and continued demand for Artist’s services … (i)
to generally promote the best interest, professional and artistic value,
5
The “Entertainment Business” is defined in the Management Agreement as “music, live
performance, personal engagements, amusement, motion picture, television, endorsements and
branding, theatrical and advertising fields and all similar areas throughout the music industry in
which Artist’s artistic talents are developed and exploited. Id.
6
Crucially, as it relates to this action, Carrion’s services under the Management Agreement were
not exclusive to Artist, however, the Management Agreed specifically stated that Carrion’s
representation of other artists and performers could “not adversely affect ... Artist’s career and/or
earnings,” or otherwise create a “conflict of interest.” Id. The Management Agreement further
specified that in the event of such Artist had the “right and power to terminate th[e] Agreement
effective immediately.” Id.
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profit, benefit and advantage of Artist, and to advise and consult with
regards to general practices in the Entertainment Business and with
respect to such matters of which Manager may have knowledge
concerning compensation and privileges for similar artistic value
26. While Artist permitted Manager to publicly hold himself out to be Artist’s exclusive
manager in the Entertainment Business, the only express agency powers granted to Manager by
(b) approve and permit the use of Artist’s name (actual and
professional), approved likeness, approved photographs and
approved biographical material in marketing and promotion of
Artist’s career (subject to prior approval of Artist);
(c) collect and receive all Gross Earnings payable to Artist; deposit
or cash any and all checks or other instruments payable to Artist;
and retain all sums owing to Manager; it being understood and
agreed however that such rights and power shall not be
extended beyond Gross Earnings earned by Artist as a result
of Artist’s activities in and throughout the Entertainment
Business and shall not relate to any personal property owned
by Artist; and
(d) audit and examine and records of parties with whom Artist has
contractual or other rights to audit and examine books and
records
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(b) The term “Gross Earnings,” as used herein refers to the total of
all monetary earnings, whether in the form of salaries, earnings,
fees, bonuses, royalties, advances against royalties, sponsorship
fees, endorsement fees, residuals, deferred compensation, shares
of profits, or any other kind or type of income which is directly
related to Artist’s career in the Entertainment Business.
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In the event that any party actually pays any Gross Earnings to
Manager instead of Artist, Manager agrees to immediately pay
Artist (or Artist’s designee [e.g., Artist’s legal counsel]) the entire
amount of those Gross Earnings so that Artist’s designee can carry
out the terms of this Agreement with respect to the Commission,
unless Artist gives written approval for Manager to retain his
Commission … and pay the balance to Artist accompanied with a
copy of any statements received by Manager in connection
therewith
29. Shortly after entering into the Management Agreement, and based on the express and
implied representations made by Carrion therein, as well as in reliance on their years long
friendship, Artist showed his trust in Carrion by adding him as a manager of the Company (see
Exhibit E, Company’s 2019 Annual Report); naming him the Chief Executive Officer of the
Company; and making him an authorized individual with respect to the Company’s bank account
30. Carrion was never an equity owner in the Company, despite being added as a manager, and
significantly, never contributed any financial capital whatsoever toward the Company.
V. Carrion Uses Stolen Company Funds and Receives Kickbacks In Furtherance of His
Fraudulent Scheme
31. In April of 2019, Artist purchased a condo in Sunny Isles, Florida, and in September of
32. Upon information and belief, Carrion agreed, and conspired, with real estate agent, Rafael
Zuzolo (“Zuzolo”) of Realty ONE Group Evolution, such that Carrion would assist Zuzolo in
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getting Counter-Plaintiffs to pay a higher than necessary price for the real estate, and in return,
Zuzolo would pay Carrion a percentage of the purchase price, or a flat fee, as a “kickback.” 7
33. In November of 2020, Carrion purchased a home in Doral, Florida for a purchase price of
approximately $3.17 million. Upon information and belief, between November of 2020 and
present day no less than $1 million from the Company Account was used by Carrion, or at
Carrion’s direction, in connection with the purchase and remodeling of his home. See Exhibit F,
Warranty Deed for Carrion’s Home; see also Exhibit G, Company Account Statement for October
31, 2020 to November 30, 2020 (showing payment of $613,528.51 from the Company Account
to the law firm Weisburg, Eisen & Possenti, P.A; the firm that prepared the warranty deed); see
also Exhibit H, Checks from the Company to the Grand Floridian. Indeed, the payments were
34. In January of 2019, Carrion purchased a 2018 Range Rover from Irenko Auto Sales, Inc.
(“Irenko”), paying the entirety of the $21,000 down payment from the Company Account without
Artist’s knowledge, consent or ratification. See Exhibit I, Company Account Statement for
January of 2019. Upon information and belief, a number of other payments towards Carrion’s
Range Rover have been made from the Company Account and/or from other accounts belong to
the Counter-Plaintiffs.
35. And, on or about August 21, 2020, Carrion––naming the Company as the buyer and himself
as the co-buyer––purchased a 2012 Lamborghini Aventador from Irenko for a total purchase price
7
Notably, without Artist knowledge, consent or ratification, on or about February 24, 2022,
Carrion unilaterally added Zuzolo as a Registered Agent for the Company. See Exhibit F,
Company’s 2022 Annual Report.
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Installment Contract. Between September of 2020 and August of 2022, at least $191,814.48 was
paid from the Company to Irenko and a related finance company named RBI Alliance, LLC
towards the purchase price for the Lamborghini, which upon information and belief, Carrion
gifted to one of his other clients, artist Kendo Kaponi (“Kaponi”), who is affiliated with Carion’s
solely owned company Eli Entertainment, LLC, and not affiliated in anyway with the Company.
36. Further, Carrion took out a loan of more than $1 million from a jewelry company named
One of One Timepieces, Inc. (“One of One”). And, despite the loan being provided to Carrion,
and not the Company, the entirety of the $1 million loan was repaid by the Company without
37. Upon information and belief, Carrion frequently engaged in similar fraudulent acts,
including using Company funds without Artist’s knowledge, consent or ratification, in connection
with private jet rentals for himself, his family, and other clients of his who were not associated
with the Company. Upon information and belief, Carrion used a number of different companies
VI. Carrion Defrauds the Company Out of Excess Monies Paid to Him in Connection With
the Orchard Agreements
38. On or about November 7, 2019, the Counter-Plaintiffs entered into a global distribution
agreement with Orchard Enterprises NY, Inc. ("Orchard"), pursuant to which Orchard and Sony
Music Entertainment US Latin LLC became the exclusive distributors of certain music recorded
by Artist, and were granted specified rights, including exclusive rights to sell, copy, distribute,
perform, sublicense, monetize and otherwise exploit Artist’s recordings (the “First Orchard
Agreement”).
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39. In connection with the First Orchard Agreement, Orchard paid Artist a delivery advance,
and in accordance with the terms of the Management Agreement, Carrion was paid ten percent
(10%) of the advance by the Company, with Carrion, once again, being overpaid in that necessary
deductions were not made to Artist’s earnings prior to Carrion receiving his ten percent (10%)
fee.
40. Despite Carrion being paid all monies owed to him in connection with the First Orchard
Agreement, and in fact being overpaid, directly from Orchard, Carrion was paid an additional
$775,656.40 from the Company in 2020 in connection with the First Orchard Agreement. Carrion
never disclosed, or accounted for, the excess payments to the Counter-Plaintiffs, as such payments
were a part of Carrion’s scheme to defraud Counter-Plaintiffs out of monies for which they are
rightfully entitled.
41. On or about January 26, 2021, Counter-Plaintiffs entered into a second global distribution
agreement with Orchard pertaining to the distribution, exploitation, and administration of certain
42. And, despite Orchard (and Broadcast Music, Inc.) 9 paying all monies owed to Carrion in
connection with the Second Orchard Agreement directly to Carrion, and in fact overpaying
Carrion as explained above, Carrion was paid an additional $745, 550 in 2020, and an additional
1.145 million in 2021, in connection with the Second Orchard Agreement. Carrion never
disclosed, or accounted for, the excess payments to the Counter-Plaintiffs, as such payments were
8
The First and Second Orchard Agreements are collectively referred to herein as the “Orchard
Agreements.”
9
Broadcast Music, Inc., or BMI as it is generally referred to, is a performance rights organization
that collects license fees on behalf of Artist’s and their affiliated entities, retaining a small fee for
the services before transferring the remainder to an artist and/or an artist’s designee.
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a part of Carrion’s scheme to defraud Counter-Plaintiffs out of monies for which they are
rightfully entitled.
VII. Carrion Defrauds the Company Out of Excess Monies Paid to Him in Connection With
the Kobalt Agreement and Amendment
43. On or about July 27, 2022, Carrion electronically executed an amendment to the Kobalt
Agreement (the “Kobalt Amendment”). See Exhibit L, Kobalt Amendment. Further, pursuant to
a letter of direction attached to the Kobalt Amendment, which was also electronically executed
by Carrion without Artist’s knowledge, consent or ratification, ten percent (10%) of all monies
earned in connection therewith was to be paid by Kobalt directly to Carrion’s solely owned entity
44. Upon information and belief, in contravention of its internal policies and/or the duties it
undoubtedly owes to Counter-Plaintiffs due to the parties’ business and contractual relationship,
Kobalt failed to take any steps whatsoever to verify the validity of Carrion’s fraudulent electronic
signature.
45. In connection with the Kobalt Agreement and Amendment, Counter-Plaintiffs earned
multi-million dollars in 2022, all of which was paid directly to Eli Entertainment and SST, and
all, or at least a significant amount, of which was never transferred by Carrion and/or Singh to the
Company.
46. Upon information and belief, Carrion and Singh had agreed, and conspired, to withhold
and retain those monies for their own personal and professional use and benefit.
47. In addition to wrongfully withholding and retaining the monies referenced above, which
were paid to Carrion and Singh directly from Kobalt and intended for Counter-Plaintiffs, Carrion
was paid an additional $505,000 from the Company in connection with the Kobalt Agreement
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and Amendment during 2022. In furtherance of his fraudulent scheme, Carrion never disclosed,
VIII. Carrion Steals and Retains Monies Set-Aside at Artist’s Direction for the Payment of
Taxes, Leaving Counter-Plaintiffs With Significant Tax Liability
48. From 2018 to 2022, Artist entrusted Carrion––as his manager and the CEO of the
to maximize Counter-Plaintiffs’ annual earnings, but Carrion was specifically told to set aside
49. Disregarding explicit instructions, as well as the best interests of the Counter-Plaintiffs,
Carrion instead decided against setting aside funds for payment of Counter-Plaintiffs’ taxes, and
instead, purportedly allocated a majority of the set aside funds towards other investments and
business opportunities, leaving Counter-Plaintiffs with significant tax liabilities for those years.
50. Carrion did so without Artist’s knowledge, consent or ratification, and upon information
and belief, Carrion (and likely, Singh and/or SST) remain in actual or constructive possession of
millions of dollars which were set aside specifically to be used towards Counter-Plaintiffs’ tax
payments, and/or has otherwise used the monies to fund his continued extravagance, to pay
51. On or about June 8, 2021, based on the advice of, and representations made by, Carrion,
Artist acquiesced in purchasing a Puerto Rican professional basketball team named Capitanes de
Arecibo. Despite approaching Artist and making numerous representations to him regarding the
viability of the investment, at no time prior or subsequent to the purchase did Carrion ever notify
Artist of the terms of the purchase, or advise him as to the significant additional expenses the
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Counter-Plaintiffs would, and in fact did, incur in connection with funding and operating a
52. Shortly following Carrion’s agreement, on behalf of the Counter-Plaintiffs, to purchase the
team, the Company paid the former owner, Luis R. Monrouzeau ("Monrouzeau"), at least
$786,000, and paid an additional approximately $834,343.35 towards team payroll, taxes, and
53. Upon information and belief, Carrion had a secret agreement with Monrouzeau whereby
Counter-Plaintiffs would overpay to purchase the team, and in return, Carrion would receive a
“kickback” based on the percentage of the purchase price, or a flat fee. Upon information and
belief, and without Artist’s knowledge, consent or ratification, Carrion used Company and team
funds to purchase gifts, property, and other assets for himself and others.
X. Carrion Enters into Fraudulent Agreements with CMN and Zuffa, and Receives
“Kickbacks” In Connection Therewith
54. On or about January 11, 2022, without Artist’s knowledge, consent or ratification, Carrion
executed a term sheet with Cardenas Marketing Network (“CMN”) on behalf of Counter-
Plaintiffs, pursuant to which CMN was to act as Counter-Plaintiffs’ exclusive promoter for a
specified number of concert tours during the term (the “CMN Term Sheet”). See Exhibit M, CMN
Term Sheet.
55. And, on or about April 27, 2022, Carrion, on behalf of Counter-Plaintiffs, entered into an
unauthorized verbal handshake agreement with Jose Max Torres Perez (“Perez”) and his company
Buena Vibra Group ("BVP"), whereby Perez and BVP would execute a sponsorship deal with
Zuffa LLC d/b/a Ultimate Fighting Championship (the “Zuffa Agreement”) that required Artist
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56. At no time did Carrion inform, or seek the consent of, Artist as to his agreement with Perez
or the Zuffa Agreement, and further, shortly after the Zuffa Agreement was finalized, either
Carrion himself, or someone else at Carrion’s direction, transferred $950,000 to Zuffa from the
Company, and another $254,565.89 to Jose Max Torres Perez (“Perez”) from the Company
shortly after the Zuffa Agreement was finalized. Upon information and belief, this was another
57. Upon information and belief, the payment to Perez was in consideration of a secret
agreement between Carrion and Perez, pursuant to which each would receive a cut of monies in
connection with the Zuffa Agreement. Upon information and belief, Carrion entered into a similar
agreement with CMN and/or an agent or representative of CMN, which precipitated him
fraudulent entering into the CMN Term Sheet on behalf of the Counter-Plaintiffs. 10
58. Between September 23, 2020 and June 21, 2020, approximately $234, 350 was transferred
from the Company Account directly to Carrion and/or Eli Entertainment, either by Carrion or at
his direction, and without Artist’s knowledge, consent or ratification. Upon information and
belief, the monies were used to pay certain personal and professional obligations of Carrion and/or
assistant/Company security guard, Alexis Parra (“Parra”), who was aware of, and conspired with
59. Upon information and belief, and without Artist’s knowledge, consent or ratification,
Carrion also provided Kaponi and Parra with Company credit cards, which he told them could be
10
Upon information and belief, Carrion engaged in another similar “kickback” scheme with
someone at Wolfe Law Miami, and either by Carrion himself, or at Carrion’s direction, the
Company paid $250,000 to Wolfe Law Miami on or about December 23, 2020.
24
used without limitation, and that all payments would be made by the Company. This is in addition
to the Company credit card Carrion maintained possession of, and used at will and to excess, for
a number of years.
60. In addition to those acts outlined above, between 2019 and present day, Carrion used
significant Company funds to, among other things, fund his own extravagant lifestyle and
professional endeavors not associated with the Counter-Plaintiffs; purchase gifts and necessities
for, and pay other personal obligations of, his family and other artists which he manages; and to
61. Upon information and belief, and without Artist’s knowledge, consent or ratification,
11
For a few years prior to Parra being hired as Carrion’s assistant, Priscilla worked as a secretary
for the Company and acted as Carrion’s assistant, being paid, upon information and belief, an
exorbitant amount (i.e., approximately $12,000 per month) in salary throughout that time
12
See, e.g., Exhibit O, Withdrawal Receipts from September 24, 2019, and December 6, 2019.
Upon information and belief, Carrion, without authorization, withdrew significantly more money
from the Company Account between approximately 2018 and present day to be used for his
personal and professional benefit.
25
(f) Payment of approximately $29,700 to Quetglas Law Firm in
Guaynabo, Puerto Rico for an unknown purpose;
62. Upon information and belief, Carrion also used Company funds to repay $222,101.52 in
outstanding credit card debt in connection with a credit card issued by Banco Popular
Dominicano, S.A. in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and to satisfy $141,000 in personal
63. Carrion’s fraudulent scheme, and unequivocal breach of the Management Agreement and
his fiduciary duties to the Counter-Plaintiffs, as outlined herein, have resulted, and will result, in
Counter-Plaintiffs losing millions of dollars for which they are rightfully entitled.
COUNT I
(Fraud)
(against Carrion)
64. Counter-Plaintiffs hereby incorporate by reference each and every allegation set forth in
13
Counter-Plaintiffs are informed and believe that there are a number of other fraudulent
unauthorized uses of Company funds by Carrion between approximately 2018 and present day,
which Counter-Plaintiffs are unaware of at this time. Counter-Plaintiffs reserve the right to amend
this Countercomplaint at such time as Counter-Plaintiff becomes aware of said additional
fraudulent unauthorized uses through discovery, as well as through Counter-Plaintiffs’ ongoing
investigation into, including discussions with third parties in connection with, Carrion’s acts.
26
65. In connection with the foregoing scheme, and as outlined above, Frabian made numerous
false statements of material fact, including but not limited to, informing third parties that he had
authority to perform certain actions and transfer funds from the Company Account without
66. Further, among other things, Carrion fraudulently executed the Kobalt Amendment and
Counter-Plaintiffs’ name, including the 2012 Lamborghini Aventador from Irenko, without
67. Indeed, Carrion was aware at all times that his statements, and his authority to execute
those documents in Counter-Plaintiffs’ name, was false and/or did not exist.
68. Carrion intended that his representations, as outlined herein, would be relied on by third
parties, and purposely hid his actions from Plaintiff, for the sake of inducing third parties to act
or not act, and inducing Plaintiff into, among other things, not terminating the Management
Agreement, keeping Carrion on as the CEO of the Company, and keeping Carrion as an
WHEREFORE, Counter-Plaintiffs request that this Court find the conduct of Carrion
constitutes fraud, and award Counter-Plaintiffs appropriate damages, including monetary and
punitive damages, interest, costs, attorney’s fees and other expenses incurred by Defendants as a
result of the foregoing, including significant expenses incurred, and to be incurred, in investigating
the extent of the financial harm caused by Plaintiff, as well as any other legal or equitable relief
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COUNT II
(Constructive Fraud)
(against Carrion)
70. Counter-Plaintiffs hereby incorporate by reference each and every allegation set forth in
71. As Artist’s manager in the entertainment industry, and as the CEO, and a manager, of the
Company, Carrion was in a confidential and fiduciary relationship with the Counter-Plaintiffs.
72. Carrion’s acts, as outlined herein, unequivocally constitute an abuse of those relationships,
and evidence Carrion taking unconscionable advantage of those relationships, and the trust Artist
placed in him.
73. In doing so, Carrion caused the Counter-Plaintiffs to suffer significant damages, in an
WHEREFORE, Counter-Plaintiffs request that this Court find the conduct of Carrion
monetary and punitive damages, interest, costs, attorney’s fees and other expenses incurred by
Defendants as a result of the foregoing, including significant expenses incurred, and to be incurred,
in investigating the extent of the financial harm caused by Plaintiff, as well as any other legal or
COUNT III
(Fraudulent Misrepresentation)
(against Carrion)
74. Counter-Plaintiffs hereby incorporate by reference each and every allegation set forth in
75. In furtherance of his fraudulent scheme, and as outlined above, Frabian made numerous
false statements of material fact, including but not limited to, informing third parties that he had
28
authority to perform certain actions and transfer funds from the Company Account without
76. Carrion was aware at all times that his statements, and his authority to execute documents
77. Carrion intended that his representations, as outlined herein, would be relied on by third
parties, and purposely hid his actions from Plaintiff, for the sake of inducing third parties to act
or not act, and inducing Plaintiff into, among other things, not terminating the Management
Agreement, keeping Carrion on as the CEO of the Company, and keeping Carrion as an
WHEREFORE, Counter-Plaintiffs request that this Court find the conduct of Carrion
including monetary and punitive damages, interest, costs, attorney’s fees and other expenses
incurred by Defendants as a result of the foregoing, including significant expenses incurred, and
to be incurred, in investigating the extent of the financial harm caused by Plaintiff, as well as any
other legal or equitable relief this Court deems just and proper.
COUNT IV
(Breach of Contract)
(against Carrion)
79. Counter-Plaintiffs hereby incorporate by reference each and every allegation set forth in
80. The Management Agreement was a valid contract between Artist and Carrion.
81. By, among other things, executing documents in Counter-Plaintiffs’ name without Artist’s
knowledge, written consent or ratification, and transferring significant funds from the Company
29
Account, which Carrion used to fund his own extravagant lifestyle; to satisfy his and his family’s
personal and professional obligations unrelated to the Counter-Plaintiffs; and otherwise to benefit
himself to the detriment of the Counter-Plaintiffs, Carrion materially breached the Management
Agreement.
WHEREFORE, Counter-Plaintiffs request that this Court find that Carrion breached the
monetary and punitive damages, interest, costs, attorney’s fees and other expenses incurred by
incurred, in investigating the extent of the financial harm caused by Plaintiff, as well as any other
COUNT V
(Breach of Fiduciary Duty)
(against Carrion)
83. Counter-Plaintiffs hereby incorporate by reference each and every allegation set forth in
84. Counter-Plaintiffs placed significant trust and confidence in Carrion by allowing him to act
as Artist’s manager and representative in the entertainment industry, adding him as a manager,
and naming him the CEO of the Company, and adding him as an authorized person on the
Company Account.
85. Carrion accepted the responsibility and Counter-Plaintiffs’ trust in him, and assumed a
number of duties, including the duty to advise, protect, and act in the best interests of the Counter-
Plaintiffs.
30
86. By engaging in the acts herein alleged, Carrion breached those duties to Counter-Plaintiffs
WHEREFORE, Counter-Plaintiffs request that this Court find that Carrion breached his
including monetary and punitive damages, interest, costs, attorney’s fees and other expenses
incurred by Defendants as a result of the foregoing, including significant expenses incurred, and
to be incurred, in investigating the extent of the financial harm caused by Plaintiff, as well as
any other legal or equitable relief this Court deems just and proper.
COUNT VI
(Conversion)
(against Carrion)
87. Counter-Plaintiffs hereby incorporate by reference each and every allegation set forth in
88. Carrion’s acts, including transferring significant funds from the Company Account to
himself and other third parties were unauthorized in that each occurred without Artist’s
knowledge, consent or ratification, and in contravention of his obligations under the Management
dollars for which they are rightfully entitled, and Carrion maintains possession of, or has already
expended significant funds belonging to Counter-Plaintiffs such that Counter-Plaintiffs have been
WHEREFORE, Counter-Plaintiffs request that this Court find that Carrion converted
damages, including monetary and punitive damages, interest, costs, attorney’s fees and other
31
expenses incurred by Defendants as a result of the foregoing, including significant expenses
incurred, and to be incurred, in investigating the extent of the financial harm caused by Plaintiff,
as well as any other legal or equitable relief this Court deems just and proper.
COUNT VII
(Civil Conspiracy)
(against Carrion)
91. Counter-Plaintiffs hereby incorporate by reference each and every allegation set forth in
92. Upon information and belief, Carrion conspired with a number of third parties, including
but not limited to, SST, Singh, Zuzolo, Parra, Kobalt and others, to carry out his fraudulent
93. In further of the fraudulent scheme, Carrion, among other things, executed agreements on
behalf of the Counter-Plaintiffs without Artist’s knowledge, consent or ratification, and converted
millions of dollars in Company funds for his own use, as well as for use by other third parties
94. As a result of Carrion’s conspiracy with the above parties and others, Counter-Plaintiffs
WHEREFORE, Counter-Plaintiffs request that this Court find that Carrion engaged in a
damages, including monetary and punitive damages, interest, costs, attorney’s fees and other
incurred, and to be incurred, in investigating the extent of the financial harm caused by Plaintiff,
as well as any other legal or equitable relief this Court deems just and proper.
32
COUNT VIII
(Accounting)
(against Carrion)
95. Counter-Plaintiffs hereby incorporate by reference each and every allegation set forth in
96. As Artist’s manager in the entertainment industry, and as the CEO, and a manager, of the
Company, Carrion was in a confidential and fiduciary relationship with the Counter-Plaintiffs.
97. As explained above, Carrion actively failed to disclose, and instead to hide, his acts, as
98. Because of such, a remedy at law is inadequate, and Carrion must account to Counter-
Plaintiffs for all funds rightfully belonging to Counter-Plaintiffs, as well as any tangible and/or
intangible things Carrion is in possession of as a result of his unauthorized use of Company funds
WHEREFORE, Counter-Plaintiffs request that this Court find that Carrion must account
COUNT IX
(Constructive Trust)
(against Carrion)
99. Counter-Plaintiffs hereby incorporate by reference each and every allegation set forth in
100. As Artist’s manager in the entertainment industry, and as the CEO, and a manager, of the
Company, Carrion was in a confidential and fiduciary relationship with the Counter-Plaintiffs.
101. Through such confidential and fiduciary relationship, Carrion owed a number of duties,
and made a number of expressed and implied promises to Counter-Plaintiffs, including the
33
promises that he would transfer monies rightfully belonging to Counter-Plaintiffs to the Counter-
102. As a result of his actions, Carrion has been unjustly enriched to the detriment of the
WHEREFORE, Counter-Plaintiffs request that this Court find that the imposition of a
constructive trust is necessary under the circumstances described herein, and award Counter-
Plaintiffs any other legal or equitable relief this Court deems just and proper.
Respectfully Submitted:
LALCHANDANI SIMON PL
25 S.E. 2nd Avenue, Suite 1020
Miami, Florida 33131
(305) 999-5291
(305) 671-9282 (fax)
Attorneys for Defendants/Counter-Plaintiffs
34
By: /s/ Frank Salzano
Frank Salzano, Esq. (pro hac vice
forthcoming)
[email protected]
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CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing has been furnished this
11th day of November, 2022, via the Florida e-filing portal to: Kendrick Almaguer, Esq.,
36