Connecticut officials have filed a $2.5 million lawsuit against MAKECTBETTER LLC and its principals, alleging a widespread fraudulent Cannabis License scheme that targeted dozens of businesses across the state. The lawsuit, filed by Attorney General William Tong in Hartford Superior Court, accuses Michael Tedesco of Fairfield and Zafir Iqbal of Oakdale of orchestrating a scam involving forged documents and false promises of access to cannabis licensing.
According to the Attorney General’s office, the scheme involved falsely advertising the ability to secure a Cannabis License through a non-existent “pilot program.” The defendants allegedly collected payments ranging from $25,000 to $30,000 from over 70 businesses, claiming they could provide legitimate access to cannabis supply chains and licensing. In reality, the Cannabis License program they pitched was entirely fabricated.
The complaint outlines that the defendants forged official documents, including those purporting to be from the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) and bearing fake signatures from state officials. The lawsuit asserts that neither Tedesco nor Iqbal had any authority to distribute or broker Cannabis License and that they were never affiliated with any legitimate cannabis regulatory body in Connecticut.
“This was a brazen scam,” said Attorney General Tong. “No one can pretend to be an agent of the Office of the Attorney General and get away with it.
The Department of Consumer Protection emphasized that the only way to obtain a valid Cannabis License in Connecticut is through the official process managed by the DCP. Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli added, “Cannabis licenses can only be issued by our department. If you’re unsure about an opportunity, check directly with us. Scams like this undermine the legitimacy of the legal market.”
In one instance, Iqbal reportedly claimed to have sold fake Cannabis License to as many as 35 businesses. Tedesco claimed involvement with over 70. Their false claims extended across several towns, including New Haven, Manchester, and New Milford.
The Attorney General’s office reiterated that any business operating without a valid Cannabis License is violating state law and risks enforcement action. These actions can include seizure of unregulated and untested cannabis products, which often pose serious public health risks.
Assistant Attorneys General Joseph Gasser and Jonathan Blake will lead the case under the supervision of Deputy Associate Attorney General Michael Wertheimer.
For legitimate licensing information, visit ct.gov/cannabis. Avoid scams and ensure every Cannabis License transaction is done legally and transparently.
by Cannabis Science and Technology
