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Jabar Released on Bail for Alleged Misuse of UN Grant

By WBFO News

Buffalo, NY – Here's an update on a story WBFO News was first to present Thursday. An Iraqi-American man from Tonawanda returned to the US yesterday to face charges relating to the alleged misuse of a United Nations grant.

Steve Jabar, who is also known as Steve Shariff, was arraigned on wire fraud and money laundering charges in federal court. He pleaded not guilty. Jabar was released on $25,000 bail. He also surrendered his passport.

Jabar was in Iraq last month when a 14-count indictment was lodged against him and co-defendant Deborah Bowers of Clarence. They're accused of misusing part of a $350,000 United Nations grant they received to start a women's radio station in Iraq.