Mani Chulpayev, Russian Gangster, Accuses FBI Of Accepting His Gifts

It seems like Mani Chulpayev is doing everything he can to make sure someone in Hollywood makes a movie about his life. The Russian gangster from Brighton Beach, famous for being an FBI turncoat and allegedly ordering the murder of rapper Lil’ Phat, is making waves again. According to a report by the Daily Mail, Chulpayev has revealed that he bribed an FBI agent with expensive gifts while Chulpayev was being investigated for murder.

Chulpayev, who immigrated to Brighton Beach in the 1980s, became involved with Russian gangs as a teenager. He was arrested in 1998 and helped bring down a collection of Russian gangsters by cooperating with federal officials.

Despite having been flipped, Chulpayev kept finding himself on the wrong side of the law. He was busted in a car stealing conspiracy but again ratted out bigger players in the schemes, once again receiving a reduced sentence.

Last April, Chulpayev was arrested for orchestrating the murder of Melvin Vernell III (Lil’ Phat). Now Chulpayev is claiming that he had paid off FBI agent Dante Jackson with jewelry, cars, sports tickets and cash in hopes that he would receive a measure of protection.

George Plumides, Chulpayev’s lawyer, issued statements to ABC News which seem to indicate that Jackson had betrayed Chulpayev.

“The agent obstructed a murder investigation. That’s my opinion and it is Mani’s as well. It’s nice to have an FBI agent that is looking over your shoulder, I guess. But I think he was ill-served. He didn’t get a bargain,” Plumides said.

The bizarre aspect of this accusation is that Chulpayev seems to be indicating that he paid off an FBI agent to obstruct the murder investigation of Lil’ Phat on Chulpayev’s behalf. Unless two wrongs make a right, it is hard to understand how malfeasance on the FBI’s part exonerates Chulpayev.

The FBI released in a statement that they are taking Chulpayev’s claim seriously and are thoroughly investigating the matter.