Mo Abudu, Ebony Life Studios CEO has announced that she’s teaming up with Will Packer Productions to develop an untitled project based on Evan Ratliff’s Bloomberg article, “The Fall of the Billionaire Gucci Master.”

The companies won the rights in a highly competitive bid and have set up the project at Universal Pictures.

Ratliff’s article digs into the story of Nigerian Instagram influencer Ramon Abbas.

The man otherwise known as Ray Hushpuppi, or the Billionaire Gucci Master, is alleged to have perfected a simple internet scam that allowed him to launder millions of dollars.

Packer and Abudu’s project is described as a globetrotting action thriller — a hybrid of Catch Me If You Can and The Usual Suspects.

Will Packer and James Lopez will produce through their Will Packer Productions, with Abudu producing for EbonyLife.

Confirming the news, Mo Abudu said the rights were won after a highly contested derby by several producers and is now set up at Universal Pictures, after pitching the ideas with Packer and Lopez.

The movie and TV producer further stated that EbonyLife’s position is to ensure the depth and authenticity of this film is told.

“EbonyLife Studios is partnering with Will Packer Productions to develop an untitled project based on the Bloomberg article “The Fall of the Billionaire Gucci Master” by Evan Ratliff.

“When the Hushpuppi story made headlines last year, I pitched the story idea to @willpowerpacker and James Lopez. They bought the idea and as headlined in this press release, together we won the rights to the Bloomberg article by Evan Ratliff mentioned above. The rights were won after a highly contested derby by several producers and is now set up at Universal Pictures. The globetrotting action thriller project is said to be a hybrid of CATCH ME IF YOU CAN and USUAL SUSPECTS.

“It’s a dream come true to be working with WIll Packer Productions and Universal Pictures on this project.

“Just as a refresher, Will Packer Productions and Universal Pictures need no introductions. WPP has released a number of blockbusters that include …… ‘‘Girls Trip”, “Think Like a Man Too”, “Ride Along”, “Think Like a Man”, “Takers”, “Obsessed”, “Breaking In” and “Stomp the Yard” and Universal Pictures with over a 100 years in the business of movie making in Hollywood, have produced some of the biggest titles in the world.