Federal Bureau of Investigations agents are after the former Georgia financial adviser indicted earlier this month for his part of an investment fraud scheme that defrauded investors of millions of dollars.
A federal grand jury charged Christopher Burns, 40, formerly of Berkeley Lake, Ga., with 10 counts of wire fraud, four counts of money laundering and two counts of mail fraud April 11, according to an April 12 news release.
"Burns is charged for allegedly stealing millions of dollars from clients in an illegal investment fraud scheme," FBI-Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Keri Farley said in the news release. "Financial crimes of this nature can cause significant disruptions to the lives of those who are victimized, and the FBI is dedicated to holding these criminals accountable. The FBI is still seeking the public's help in locating Burns and will continue to pursue him no matter how long he tries to evade the law."
Burns reportedly conducted business through Investus Advisers LLC, Investus Financial LLC, Dynamic Money and Peer Connect LLC, among other entities, the release reported. Investors were assured their money would be loaned to businesses that needed financing with little to no risk.
These funds were not secured by the protection of collateral and personal guarantees as Burns allegedly promised, according to the release. Other false promises reportedly include pooling investors' money for startup businesses and charities.
Burns is said to have used the money to repay earlier investors while funding "his lavish lifestyle," the release reported. He is said to have defrauded dozens of victims out of at least $10 million.
"Burns obtained then violated the trust of his clients to fund his lavish lifestyle," U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan said in the news release. "He betrayed investors and stole their savings with promises of safe investments that would yield high rates of return. Individuals who brazenly cheat their clients should expect to be held accountable. The authorities are continuing to search for Burns, and anyone with information about his whereabouts should contact the FBI."
Burns left his home Sept. 24, 2020, a day before he was expected to turn over documents the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the release said. The vehicle he was driving was found abandoned in Dunwoody, Ga. Copies of three cashier's checks totaling more than $78,000 were found inside the vehicle.
He was previously charged October 23, 2020, with one count of mail fraud, the release said.
