Fraud

A group of Burmese immigrants living across the United States pursued the American dream through oil investment. Most worked outside the energy field—many as sushi chefs, laborers, or small business owners. They trusted Levi Sap Nei Thang, a well-known figure in their community. Thang and associated companies presented themselves as experienced oil and gas developers. Using that reputation, they approached members of the Burmese community and offered opportunities in oil and gas leases. The plaintiffs, with little knowledge of the industry, relied on these promises. Collectively, they paid over $565,000 for leases represented as valuable and ready for production.Defendants targeted the Burmese community with false claims. They promised oil leases capable of producing thousands of barrels daily. They offered geological surveys, drilling assistance, and help establishing oil companies. They assured investors the land was commercially viable. Plaintiffs entered contracts, believ

Serpouhie and Jirair Sarkissian sued longtime associates over alleged financial misconduct involving Karoun Dairies and Central Valley Cheese Co. The Los Angeles County Superior Court found the claims derivative and dismissed the case with prejudice. It excluded the plaintiffs’ damages expert, awarded defendants $108,942.64 in costs, and granted Antranik Baghdassarian $1,521,200 in attorney’s fees, naming the defendants prevailing parties.

Mireya Cambero sued Jose De Matos for years of domestic abuse, emotional trauma, and fraudulent transfers designed to shield assets from liability. The jury awarded $14.5 million in compensatory and punitive damages, finding De Matos and corporate entities liable for battery, false imprisonment, and a conspiracy to conceal assets. The verdict included $6.5 million in fraudulent transfer damages and $5 million for the conspiracy to evade legal responsibility.

After Michael Badrikian’s death, his daughter Salpi Monteiro managed his estate and trusts. Her brother, Asador, accused her of mismanaging assets, concealing funds, and breaching fiduciary duties. He sought damages and her removal as LLC manager. Salpi denied wrongdoing, citing proper accounting and lack of jurisdiction over LLC disputes. On March 19, 2025, the jury ruled in her favor, rejecting all claims and dismissing the case.

Rahul Mewawalla, a former executive at Freedom Mortgage, secured a $3.75 million jury award after proving he was misled by false promises and concealment related to a tech venture called Xpanse. The jury rejected his breach of contract claims but found in his favor on fraud counts. Mewawalla alleged he was promised equity, compensation, and a leadership role that never fully materialized. The defendants denied wrongdoing and claimed lawful termination. Several claims and parties had been dismissed before trial.

Revolution Fitness, operated by Get Your Back On Track, LLC, won a $22 million jury verdict after it was denied the chance to purchase its leased property. The jury found BANSHEE 3652, LLC, BEE Holdings, LP, and Doug Evans liable for breach of contract, tortious interference, and fraud. The case centered on a violated right of first refusal and undisclosed property transactions.

A Florida jury awarded SK Invest Group $735,610 after finding First Florida International (FFI) and owner Edward Genin liable for charging for work never performed, breaching contract, and committing fraud in a renovation project.

Michelle and Chris Ballesteros were awarded $30,529 in damages after falling victim to a fraudulent app development scheme. The couple had hired Brainy Apps to create “IEPPros,” an educational app, but received nothing in return. A Florida court issued a default judgment against four defendants, including Deron Wagner and John Lakatis, citing RICO and deceptive trade violations.

Abel A. Rodriguez, who was a minor when identity thieves opened fraudulent accounts in his name, successfully sued Adir International (d/b/a Curacao) and Experian for failing to remove the false credit entries despite repeated disputes. On March 25, 2025, a jury awarded Rodriguez $60,000 in damages—$40,000 for negligent noncompliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and $20,000 for violating the California Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies Act. The court did not award punitive damages.

Rachele and Carmine Malangone sued Fieldstone, LLC and others over misrepresentations about land they purchased to build a two-bedroom home. Fieldstone failed to secure necessary approvals, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. On March 28, 2025, the jury awarded the Plaintiffs $287,104.48 against Fieldstone and $210,000.00 against Connecticut Concrete Solutions, LLC for fraud and other claims.

The United States and the Plaintiff States (the United States and the Plaintiff States are collectively referred to herein as the “Government”) through their qui tam Relator Patricia Frattasio, sued Biohaven Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and its holding company, Biohaven Pharmaceuticals Holding Company, Ltd. under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729 et seq. They sought damages, penalties, and other remedies under federal and state false claims laws. Whistleblower Patricia Frattasio accused Biohaven of submitting fraudulent claims for payment to Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and VA. The claims allegedly violated the Anti-Kickback Statute. Frattasio claimed that Biohaven offered financial incentives to healthcare providers, such as speaking fees and meals, to encourage them to prescribe Nurtec ODT to federal healthcare beneficiaries. The lawsuit was filed in the United S

Restless Media GmbH ("Plaintiff") filed a racketeering lawsuit under the RICO Act alleging fraud against Thomas E. “Ted” Johnson, Milestone Motorcars Sales LLC, Milestone Motorcars LLC (the “Johnson Defendants”), Richard Cole and Rick Cole Auctions, Inc. (the “Cole Defendants”), and Donald E. Williams and the Black Hawk Collection (the “Williams Defendants”).