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Texas AG Ken Paxton sues EPIC City developers over alleged illegal land project

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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit Friday against the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC), Community Capital Partners (CCP) and several associated executives, accusing them of operating an illegal land titles and development scheme related to a proposed 400-acre community known as “EPIC City.”

The lawsuit, filed in Collin County, follows a months-long investigation and referral from the Texas State Securities Board. The State alleges that the defendants raised tens of millions of dollars while violating securities laws, misleading investors about the nature and location of the project, and misrepresenting how the funds would be used.

“The leaders behind EPIC City engaged in a radical plot to destroy hundreds of acres of beautiful Texas land and line their own pockets,” Paxton said. “I will relentlessly apply the full force of the law against anyone who thinks they can ignore the rules and hurt Texans.”

According to the verified petition, CCP sold investment interests for $40,000 to $80,000, although it did not register the securities or qualify for federal exemptions.

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Muslims pray at a mosque during Friday prayers in Plano, Texas. (Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP via Getty Images)

The state says the group extensively solicited investors through meetings, social media and online promotions, which is an unauthorized activity under the exemptions they claim.

Investigators also allege that the developers failed to take reasonable steps to verify that the buyers were accredited investors, with documentation missing or inadequate for a number of buyers.

The petition says the project was advertised as being “in the heart of Josephine, Texas” even after the city told developers in February 2025 that the land was not within its boundaries or public utility district. Marketing materials reportedly continued to make this claim.

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Muslims walk in front of a mosque in Texas

People arrive at a mosque to attend Friday prayers in Plano, Texas. (Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP via Getty Images)

The State further points to alleged promotional materials that appeared to target Muslim shoppers, including language on early websites and videos describing EPIC City as “the epicenter of Islam in North America.”

Paxton’s office also claims that CEO Imran Chaudhary publicly promised he would take “not a cent” in salary, but then signed a contract paying him $360,000 a year through a separate company, a compensation deal not disclosed in written offer documents.

Investigators say more than $1 million in investor funds were withdrawn to cover general operating expenses, exceeding what is described in offering documents.

Texas Securities Commissioner Travis Iles says the EPIC entities sold securities without meeting registration or exemption requirements and referred the matter to Paxton after identifying “egregious” violations.

Paxton first announced his investigation in March and requested the dismissal in October after discovering additional problems.

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"For sale" sign with mosque in the background in Texas

Land for sale near the Islamic Center and East Plano Mosque, in Plano, Texas. (Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP via Getty Images)

Paxton is asking the court to stop all fundraising related to the project, freeze assets, appoint a receiver, correct public statements and impose civil penalties of up to $20,000 per violation. The lawsuit also seeks the return of investors’ funds.

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EPIC City, since renamed “The Meadow,” was marketed as a planned development spanning Hunt and Collin counties. Court records show hundreds of investors purchased units.

Fox News Digital has requested comment from EPIC, PCC and Paxton’s office.

The full trial can be read here.

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