Brandon Scott Menaged, a 22-year-old resident of Scottsdale, Arizona, was sentenced to 33 months in prison by Senior United States District Judge David G. Campbell on July 9. Menaged is also required to pay $751,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to wire fraud.
Menaged's fraudulent activities spanned from January 2023 to December 2024. During this period, he deceived multiple victims by soliciting funds for non-existent investments. He misled victims about the nature of these investments and cited fictitious investors to secure funding. The funds obtained were then used for his personal expenses.
Victims who requested the return of their money were met with excuses or had their communications blocked by Menaged. His fraudulent scheme allowed him to acquire $1,000,000, which he spent on gambling at casinos, international travel, luxury vehicles, firearms, and Rolex watches.
The FBI's Phoenix Division conducted the investigation into Menaged's activities. The prosecution was managed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin M. Rapp from the District of Arizona.
