Ex-Investment Firm CEO Admits Guilt in $250M Securities Scheme
Former Chairman of 1 Global Capital Pleads Guilty to $250 Million Investment Fraud Scheme
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – In a startling revelation, the former chairman of 1 Global Capital, Carl R. Ruderman, pleaded guilty to orchestrating a massive investment fraud scheme that defrauded over 3,400 investors across 42 states, resulting in a staggering loss of $250 million. This fraudulent operation has sent shockwaves through the financial community, leaving countless victims devastated. As the legal proceedings unfold, four other individuals, including two men from Palm Beach County, have already confessed to securities fraud charges, further shedding light on the depth of this elaborate scheme.
The U.S. Department of Justice, in a recent news release, announced that Ruderman, an 82-year-old resident of Miami-Dade County, has agreed to face the maximum sentence of 5 years. Additionally, he has consented to a forfeiture money judgment exceeding $250 million. These penalties reflect the severity of the crimes committed and send a strong message to potential fraudsters. Ruderman’s indictment took place on July 25 in the South District of Florida, based in Fort Lauderdale, where the legal battle against this fraudulent enterprise has been fought tirelessly.
Alan G. Heide, the former chief financial officer of 1 Global, has already been sentenced to 60 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Roy K. Altman on January 23, 2020. Heide has also been ordered to pay restitution of over $57 million to the victims who fell prey to this elaborate scam. Similarly, Steven Allen Schwart, a 78-year-old resident of Delray Beach, has been sentenced to 24 months in prison on July 9, 2021. Schwart has been directed to pay over $36 million in restitution to those affected. Meanwhile, Andrew Dale Ledbetter, an 81-year-old from Fort Lauderdale, has been handed a 60-month prison sentence on August 27, 2021, and ordered to pay restitution of over $148 million. Lastly, Jan Douglas Atlas, a 78-year-old resident of Fort Lauderdale, has received an eight-month prison sentence on August 19, 2021, and been ordered to pay restitution exceeding $29 million.
At the heart of this elaborate operation was 1 Global, a commercial lending business that specialized in offering high-interest rate loans, termed merchant cash advance loans (“MCAs”), to small businesses. The company, which ultimately filed for bankruptcy on July 27, 2018, preyed on vulnerable businesses, exploiting their desperate need for cash. Ruderman, as the chairman of 1 Global, and Heide, as the chief financial officer, were the masterminds behind this fraudulent enterprise. Schwart, a director and consultant, and Ledbetter, an attorney licensed in Florida, were instrumental in executing this scheme. Atlas, acting as outside counsel, also played a role in facilitating the fraudulent activities of 1 Global.
During his guilty plea, Ruderman confessed to making false and misleading representations to investors regarding the profitability of 1 Global’s business through marketing materials and periodic account statements. Shockingly, he admitted to using investors’ funds for personal expenses, including credit card payments, luxurious vacations, insurance payments for his art collection and valuable jewelry, chauffeurs, domestic staff, mortgage payments, tuition, and even payments for a luxury car. Furthermore, Ruderman acknowledged diverting investor money to businesses that exclusively benefited himself and his family, without the knowledge of the unsuspecting investors.
The operation of 1 Global raised significant concerns among investors, investment advisers, and regulators. Questions were raised regarding whether 1 Global was offering or selling a security and whether the investment offering was required to be registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These concerns further highlight the need for increased vigilance and regulatory oversight to protect investors from falling victim to such elaborate financial scams.
As the legal proceedings continue, it is hoped that justice will be served, and the victims will receive the restitution they deserve. The unraveling of this massive investment fraud scheme serves as a stark reminder of the importance of due diligence and investor protection in the financial industry.
