Cases by state
Ponzi schemes in Oregon
11 cases announced 2003–2023, involving about $866.3M in reported investor money. Most common types: investment funds & advisory, trading, forex & commodities and real estate. Listed by where the main defendant was based.
The largest by reported amount: Robert J. Jesenik, Brian A. Oliver, N. Scott Gillis ($350M, 2016). Charges are allegations unless a court has entered a conviction or judgment.
Pitch phrases seen in these cases
- “high interest rates between nine and 15 percent”
- “just a few months”
- “net profits”
- “stable”
- “steady distribution of 15% income per year”
- “compounded annual returns of up to 30%”
- “rehabilitated, upgraded and resold at a substantial profit”
- “health care, education, and transportation-related investments”
Cases
| Date | Case | Location | Industry | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 20, 2023 | Robert D. Christensen, Anthony M. Matic | Sherwood, OR | Real estate | $10M |
| Aug 3, 2022 | Zadeh Kicks LLC Michael Malekzadeh, Bethany Mockerman |
Eugene, OR | Investment funds & advisory | $85M |
| May 19, 2022 | Sam Ikkurty (aka Sreenivas I Rao), Ravishankar Avadhanam | Portland, OR | Trading, forex & commodities | $44M |
| Jun 11, 2020 | Simply Gains Inc. Erik J. Hass |
Corvallis, OR | Trading, forex & commodities | $1.8M |
| Apr 5, 2018 | Iris Capital Management Shayne Kniss |
Lake Oswego, OR | Real estate | $4.3M |
| Mar 10, 2016 | Robert J. Jesenik, Brian A. Oliver, N. Scott Gillis | Lake Oswego, OR | Trucking & transport | $350M |
| Oct 31, 2012 | U.S. Gold & Silver Investments Inc. Lawrence H. Heim (aka Larry Heim) |
Tigard, OR | Investment funds & advisory | $4.1M |
| Sep 21, 2012 | Grifphon Asset Management LLC, Grifphon Holdings LLC Yusaf Jawed |
Portland, OR | Trading, forex & commodities | $37M |
| May 14, 2009 | Ernst and Ernst Collectors Gallery Donald Dean Seybold |
Cannon Beach, OR | Investment funds & advisory | $3.2M |
| Mar 2, 2009 | Jon Michael Harder | Salem, OR | Investment funds & advisory | $300M |
| May 14, 2003 | Orion International Inc. Russell Cline, Bagone Vorachith, April Duffy, Nancy Hoyt |
Portland, OR | Trading, forex & commodities | $27M |