SEC Charges Florida Man and French National with $40 Million Securities Fraud

Posted on October 24th, 2022 at 12:58 PM
SEC Charges Florida Man and French National with $40 Million Securities Fraud

From the Desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged a Florida-based real estate agent, Fernando Bastos, and a resident of France, Joao Fonseca, as well as four entities they owned for orchestrating an investment fraud.

The two individuals, who were half-brothers, generated at least $40 million from nearly 250 investors between 2016 and 2020 via an unregistered securities offering in connection with the sale and management of investment properties in Detroit, according to the SEC. The SEC’s complaint alleged that Bastos, Fonseca, RBF Trust LLC and other companies owned by the half-brothers sold nearly 900 properties to investors without ever owning a majority of the properties.

The half-brothers falsely informed investors that they would manage the investment properties and secure paying tenants, according to the SEC. However, the SEC alleged that the half-brothers misappropriated nearly all the funds for their own personal use. The SEC is seeking a permanent injunction, disgorgement, and civil penalties against each defendant.

Eccleston Law LLC represents investors and financial advisors nationwide in securities, employment, regulatory and disciplinary matters.

Tags: eccleston, eccleston law, advisors, law, sec

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next

I just wanted to say thanks again for preparing and executing my case in such a professional manner. It was a pleasure to watch two professionals take such pride in their work, as well as becoming personally in tune with your client (Me). I would personally recommend you and your firm to anyone.

John O.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

January 12, 2026
Florida Man Indicted in $36 Million Investment Fraud Scheme

According to news sources, federal prosecutors allege that a Florida man orchestrated a multimillion-dollar Ponzi scheme that funded a luxury lifestyle built on stolen investor money, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

January 9, 2026
FINRA Sanctions Former Wells Fargo Advisor for Profile Falsification and Unauthorized Trading

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) disciplined former Wells Fargo Advisors broker James E. Holmes III for misconduct tied to his falsifying customer information and unauthorized trading.

January 8, 2026
Georgia Investment Advisor Pleads Guilty to Ponzi Scheme

A former Georgia investment adviser has pleaded guilty to wire fraud after federal prosecutors accused his firm of operating a multiyear Ponzi scheme that cost investors millions of dollars, as reported by Financial Advisor News.