Authorities Seeking Dozens Of Supercars From Alleged $364 Million Ponzi Scheme

Authorities in the United States have arrested three men they allege were behind a $364 million Ponzi scheme that included dozens of exotic cars and numerous luxury houses.

U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, Robert K. Hur, named 53-year-old Kevin B. Merrill, 54-year-old Jay Ledford, and 28-year-old Cameron Jezierski as the three men behind the scheme. Merrill and Ledford have been indicted on federal charges of wire fraud, identity theft, and money laundering. Jezierski has been indicted for wire fraud.

Prosecutors claim that the men convinced hundreds of investors from around the United States to invest in their Ponzi scheme, ultimately duping them out of $364 million in the past five years.

It is alleged that the trio created numerous companies for buying and selling debt portfolios consisting of credit card, auto, and student loans. Merrill, Ledford, and Jazierski convinced investors that they were buying the debt and turning a profit by collecting on the debts or flipping them by selling them for more than the investors paid. However, this never happened.

Instead, the three men took all the money for themselves and used it to fund lavish lifestyles that included exotic cars, mansions, and expensive jewelry, Biz Journals reports.

Merrill reportedly purchased 25 luxury cars and motorcycles for himself. Among the vehicles he bought included the bespoke Pagani Huayra Diablo, a 2008 Bugatti Veyron, Lamborghini Aventador Roadster, Ferrari 488 GTB, Rolls-Royce Wraith, Porsche 911 Turbo S, Lamborghini Huracan Spyder, and many others.

The trio also purchased nine homes, six of which were snapped up by Merrill.

Prosecutors say that roughly $197 million was repaid to investments to make the scheme look legitimate over the last five years. However, that leaves about $148 million that’s still owed to investors.

Both Merrill and Ledford each face up to 262 years in federal prison. Jezierski faces up to 120 years in prison for his involvement.