Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing an Islamic community group over claims that their new ‘Muslim city’ is an illegal land development scheme.
Paxton’s filing was against East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC), Community Capital Partners (CCP) and their leaders following a months-long investigation, according to a press release.
‘The leaders behind EPIC City have engaged in a radical plot to destroy hundreds of acres of beautiful Texas land and line their own pockets,’ Paxton said in the statement.
‘I will relentlessly bring the full force of the law against anyone who thinks they can ignore the rules and hurt Texans.
‘The unlawful land project known as EPIC City will be stopped, and those responsible will be barred from ever creating another fraudulent operation like this again.’
Plans for EPIC City, which has since rebranded as, The Meadow, suggested 1,000 homes, Islamic schools, and a mosque all over more than 400-acres in Hunt and Collin counties.
Planners described the neighborhood 40 miles East of Dallas as the ‘epicenter of Islam in North America.’
The yet to be built properties have already sold out and CCP has raked in tens of millions of dollars. Construction was slated to begin in 2026 or 2027.
EPIC City was originally advertised as ‘the epicenter of Islam in North America’
Attorney General Ken Paxton launched the investigation months ago following allegations that EPIC wanted to impose Sharia law
But Paxton’s lawsuit claimed that EPIC had engaged in illegal and misleading practices to raise money for its project and allegedly violated Texas securities laws.
Paxton claimed the developers ‘funneled a significant amount of the funds to their own pockets.’
Fox News reported that CCP sold investment interests for $40,000 to $80,000. The company reportedly failed to register securities or qualify for federal exemption.
The lawsuit claimed CCP solicited investors used tactics that were illegal including meetings, social media, and online promotions.
At least nine percent of the community’s investors failed to properly verify or document their status as ‘accredited investors,’ per the suit.
They advertised their city to be ‘in the heart of Josephine, Texas’ though the land it purchased was not within city limits, per the filing.
After being notified of this, the developers reportedly continued advertisements.
The sprawling East Plano Islamic Center in suburban Dallas is large enough to accommodate 3,200 worshippers
Located in Plano, Texas, the East Plano Islamic Center anchors an Islamic community
The group identifies as a ‘multi-ethnic, multi-racial, multilingual, non-sectarian, diverse, and open community.’
But the lawsuit alleged that EPIC and CCP misrepresented the neighborhood in their advertisements.
EPIC allegedly previously advertised themselves as a ‘Muslim community.’
Imran Chaudhary, the president of EPIC, had vowed that he would not accept compensation for the project. According to the suit, ‘on information and belief’ Chaudhary will receive $30,000 per month.
Paxton launched the investigation in March after accusations from Governor Greg Abbott that EPIC of wanting to impose Sharia law on Texas.
He asked courts to order an immediate stop on all fundraising tied to the development, impose penalties up to $20,000 per violation, and return investor funds.
Yasir Qadhi, the leader of EPIC, has been accused of preaching hatred, homophobia, and antisemitism.
East Plano Islamic Center is located in Plano, Texas and serves as an anchor to the city’s Islamic community, large enough to accommodate 3,200 worshipers.
The Daily Mail contacted East Plano Islamic Community, CCP, and Paxton for comment.