Trying to figure out the criminal usary claim is daunting as there is so much conflicting and contradictory DD on both sides. We can speculate all day, but the bottom line is the HJOE lawyers felt there was merit in it and included it as a counter. They will probably have the strongest understanding of the defense and how it applies to this loan/note.

I'm more curious about the tortious interference claim as it seems HJOE is saying they were compelled to hire accountants and/or auditor(s) that caused them harm. That's how I'm reading it in the counter. That tells me that there was a conversation somewhere, or recommendation by KBM to retain TJ with KBM fully knowing he was going to cook the books. If Veal was unaware of this, doesn't tort interference apply as well as fraud?

We already know KBM are loan sharks so It's not a logic stretch.