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

Thank You from the bottom of our hearts for all you have done for us. When we realized this was a very bad investment - we did not know where to turn for help. Then we received your name. When we called you - you were so kind to us and then agreed to help us. For this we are so very grateful. The world would be a much nicer place if there were more people like the two of you in it. We will always remember all the help and kindness you have shown us. Thank you so very very much for everything.

Wayne and Judy S.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

May 8, 2025
All 50 States Now Aligned on Annuity Sales Standards

The annuity industry officially has secured uniformity in sales regulations across all 50 states.

May 7, 2025
Jury Finds Investment Advisor Liable for Failing to Disclose Annuity Commissions

A federal jury in Massachusetts has found investment adviser Jeffrey Cutter and his firm, Cutter Financial Group, liable for violating federal securities law by failing to disclose significant upfront commissions and conflicts of interest related to an annuity replacement scheme.

May 6, 2025
SEC Charges Three Individuals in $284 Million Arizona Sports Complex Bond Fraud by Legacy Cares

The Securities and Exchange Commission has filed a civil enforcement action against Randall “Randy” Miller, Chad Miller, and Jeffrey De Laveaga for allegedly defrauding investors in two municipal bond offerings that raised $284 million.