Financial Fraud

A metaphorical image depicting financial fraud. In the foreground, a hand signs a contract, but the signature dissolves into smoke, representing a fraudulent agreement. In the background, a shadowy, out-of-focus figure of a man in a suit symbolizes the anonymous fraudster. The backdrop features distorted and declining financial charts, illustrating the devastating losses from investment scams. The overall tone is serious and cautionary, with a muted color palette of grays and blues, highlighted with a touch of red to signify danger.

The Rubicon Deception: How Trusted Advisor Scott Mason Stole $25 Million and What Every Investor Must Learn from the Betrayal

An exhaustive analysis of the Scott Mason and Rubicon Wealth Management fraud. Learn how he deceived clients for over a decade, the red flags that were missed, and the essential steps you must take to protect your investments from affinity

The Rubicon Deception: How Trusted Advisor Scott Mason Stole $25 Million and What Every Investor Must Learn from the Betrayal Read More »

A magnifying glass focusing on a financial ledger, illustrating the importance of internal controls and vigilant oversight for preventing employee wire fraud in small businesses.

Greer Bookkeeper Jailed for $2.2M Wire Fraud: A Small Business Owner’s Guide to Detecting Embezzlement and Preventing Financial Ruin

In a case that serves as a chilling reminder for small business owners everywhere, Jennifer L. Bengston Cook, a 56-year-old part-time bookkeeper from Greer, South Carolina, was sentenced to three years in federal prison. For more than a decade, she

Greer Bookkeeper Jailed for $2.2M Wire Fraud: A Small Business Owner’s Guide to Detecting Embezzlement and Preventing Financial Ruin Read More »

Symbolic image of a gavel and money representing the federal embezzlement case in Las Vegas involving former Silver State Health Services CEO David Ryan Linden and Rich Kiran Saga.

Former Las Vegas Health CEO David Ryan Linden Accused in Alleged $2 Million Federal Grant Embezzlement Scheme; Real Estate Investor Rich Kiran Saga Also Charged

Superseding Indictment Alleges Sophisticated Conspiracy to Defraud Federally Qualified Health Center Serving Las Vegas’ Indigent Population; Funds Allegedly Diverted to Commercial Real Estate Ventures. LAS VEGAS, NV – [Friday, May 30, 2025] – The former Chief Executive Officer of Silver

Former Las Vegas Health CEO David Ryan Linden Accused in Alleged $2 Million Federal Grant Embezzlement Scheme; Real Estate Investor Rich Kiran Saga Also Charged Read More »

Illustrative image of uncut diamonds with background elements symbolizing wire fraud and legal documents, representing the Edward Carlos St. Mary III diamond fraud case.

Edward Carlos St. Mary III Indicted in Alleged Multi-Million Dollar Wire Fraud Scheme Targeting International Diamond Market

NEW YORK, NY – October 26, 2023 – A significant federal indictment was unsealed today by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, charging prominent international businessman Edward Carlos St. Mary III with multiple counts of

Edward Carlos St. Mary III Indicted in Alleged Multi-Million Dollar Wire Fraud Scheme Targeting International Diamond Market Read More »

Image depicting the extradition of Liridon Masurica and the disruption of BlackDB.cc.

The Extradition of Liridon Masurica and the Disruption of the BlackDB.cc Criminal Marketplace: A Case Study in International Cybercrime Enforcement

I. Executive Summary This report details the extradition of Liridon Masurica, allegedly known as “@blackdb,” from Kosovo to the United States to face federal charges related to his purported role as the lead administrator of BlackDB.cc, an online criminal marketplace.

The Extradition of Liridon Masurica and the Disruption of the BlackDB.cc Criminal Marketplace: A Case Study in International Cybercrime Enforcement Read More »

Shattered digital heart symbolizing emotional and financial devastation from online romance scam.

Kingsley Ibhadore Jailed: Unmasking the Deceptive Triangle of Romance Scams, Money Mules, and Financial Structuring

Introduction: The Human Cost of a Calculated Deception – The Kingsley Ibhadore Case The fight against sophisticated financial fraud claimed a small victory on May 5, 2025, when Kingsley Sebastian Ibhadore, a 40-year-old Nigerian citizen and lawful U.S. resident residing

Kingsley Ibhadore Jailed: Unmasking the Deceptive Triangle of Romance Scams, Money Mules, and Financial Structuring Read More »

Illustration showing an unstable pyramid of cash, symbolizing the William Lamar Rhew III Ponzi scheme collapse.

The Case of William Lamar Rhew III: A Legal Analysis of a Multimillion-Dollar Ponzi Scheme and Financial Fraud

Executive Summary This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the criminal enterprise orchestrated by William Lamar Rhew, III, culminating in his guilty plea on May 6, 2025, to charges of wire fraud, money laundering, securities fraud, tax evasion, and failure

The Case of William Lamar Rhew III: A Legal Analysis of a Multimillion-Dollar Ponzi Scheme and Financial Fraud Read More »

Image depicting federal court proceedings related to the $9.1 million VA Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits fraud scheme in Honolulu involving Brian Matsudo, Marshall Scott, and Raheem Wells.

$9.1M GI Bill Fraud: Honolulu School Owner Pleads Guilty in Scheme Exploiting Veteran Education Benefits; Two Others Face Charges

HONOLULU, HI – The owner of a Honolulu massage therapy school has pleaded guilty to federal charges, admitting his role in a complex scheme that defrauded the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of over $9.1 million intended for veteran

$9.1M GI Bill Fraud: Honolulu School Owner Pleads Guilty in Scheme Exploiting Veteran Education Benefits; Two Others Face Charges Read More »

Gavel hitting a block labeled 'PPP Fraud Settlement,' illustrating the False Claims Act resolution involving Slifco Electric and COVID-19 relief funds.

Slifco Electric Pays $1.46M to Settle PPP Fraud Allegations Over Undisclosed Owner Payouts, False Certifications

DETROIT, MI – A Sterling Heights, Michigan electrical contracting firm, Slifco Electric, LLC, and its sole owner, John P. Slifco, have agreed to pay $1,460,062 to the United States government to resolve allegations of violating the False Claims Act (FCA).

Slifco Electric Pays $1.46M to Settle PPP Fraud Allegations Over Undisclosed Owner Payouts, False Certifications Read More »

Gavel rests on US currency symbolizing guilty plea in Thomas G. Ehr defense contractor tax fraud conspiracy case.

Longtime Defense Contractor Associate Thomas G. Ehr Pleads Guilty in $128 Million Tax Fraud Conspiracy Linked to Afghanistan Jet Fuel Contracts; Sixth Defendant Convicted in Major International Investigation

Introduction: Unveiling a Decade-Long Deception Affecting U.S. Treasury and Defense Operations WASHINGTON – A complex and long-running scheme designed to defraud the United States government culminated in a significant development as Thomas G. Ehr, 63, pleaded guilty in U.S. District

Longtime Defense Contractor Associate Thomas G. Ehr Pleads Guilty in $128 Million Tax Fraud Conspiracy Linked to Afghanistan Jet Fuel Contracts; Sixth Defendant Convicted in Major International Investigation Read More »

Alex Murdaugh and Russell Laffitte in court.

Former Banker Russell Laffitte Pleads Guilty to Multiple Federal Fraud Charges in Murdaugh-Related Case

CHARLESTON, S.C. — — In a significant development in the sprawling financial saga connected to convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh, former Palmetto State Bank (PSB) Chief Executive Officer Russell Lucius Laffitte, 54, of Estill, South Carolina, pleaded guilty today in federal

Former Banker Russell Laffitte Pleads Guilty to Multiple Federal Fraud Charges in Murdaugh-Related Case Read More »

A courtroom scene with a judge, lawyers, and jurors during a customs duty evasion lawsuit.

Barco Uniforms Hit with Major False Claims Act Lawsuit Over Alleged Customs Duty Evasion Scheme

U.S. Files False Claims Act Lawsuit Against Barco Uniforms, Executives, and Affiliated Companies Alleging Systemic Customs Duty Evasion Scheme SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The United States Department of Justice has initiated significant legal action against Barco Uniforms Inc., a prominent supplier

Barco Uniforms Hit with Major False Claims Act Lawsuit Over Alleged Customs Duty Evasion Scheme Read More »

A guide to preventing financial fraud, including banking scams, credit card fraud, investment scams, and online phishing attacks.

Comprehensive Financial Fraud Prevention & Detection: A Guide to Protecting Yourself and Your Business

The intentional misrepresentation of information or identity to deceive others for financial gain stands as a pervasive and ever-evolving threat in the contemporary world [1, 2]. This deception can manifest in numerous ways, ranging from the unauthorized use of payment

Comprehensive Financial Fraud Prevention & Detection: A Guide to Protecting Yourself and Your Business Read More »