Winter is Coming
Fansided

Harry Potter fans embezzled $190K to buy a yacht named “Expelliarmus”

By Ariba Bhuvad

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 05: General view during "Harry Potter And The Cursed Child" Times Square Takeover at Times Square on September 05, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Steven Ferdman/Getty Images for Harry Potter And The Cursed Child)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 05: General view during "Harry Potter And The Cursed Child" Times Square Takeover at Times Square on September 05, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Steven Ferdman/Getty Images for Harry Potter And The Cursed Child) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Harry Potter fans are some of the most loyal out there. They live and die with the franchise, and would do almost anything to keep it a part of their lives. And when we say anything, we mean anything.

According to the Chicago Sun Times, three people conspired to embezzle upwards of $190,000 to buy a luxury yacht called “Expelliarmus.” “Expelliarmus,” of course, is the name of a spell used in the Harry Potter books that disarms whoever it’s aimed at. It’s one of the most famous spells from the series and adorns many a t-shirt.

A man named William A. Kowalski, his brother Robert Kowalski, and John Gembara (the former President of the Washington Federal Bank for Savings) were involved in this scheme. Apparently, they were very dedicated fans.

Three Harry Potter fans embezzle money to buy a yacht

The details came out as part of a deal William Kowalski cut with prosecutors relating to an ongoing fraud investigation into the failure of Washington Federal Bank for Savings. As part of the deal, William admitted to buying the boat — a Sea Ray 420 Sundancer — back in 2007. He had the bank issue a $190,000 check made payable to his brother. Meanwhile, Gembara used his position as president to obtain the funds without supporting documentation. No one ever intended to pay the bank back.

The 190k was for part of the down payment. The remaining 10k was drawn on an account from one of the Kowalskis’ businesses at Washington Federal. The trio also signed a retail installment contract to get $250,000 in financing for the yacht; William Kowalski never paid anything on it but understood that his brother or Gembara.

The whole thing was a hot mess, to say the least; we hope that riding on the water shouting “Expelliarmus!” was fun while it lasted.

Next. Neil Gaiman remembers Lucifer by thanking the people who boycotted it. dark

To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and sign up for our exclusive newsletter.

Get HBO, Starz, Showtime, and MORE for FREE with a no-risk, 7-day free trial of Amazon Channels

h/t Jalopnik

Home/Harry Potter