Fintech Founder Pleads Guilty in $248 Million Fraud Case Involving Celebrity Investors
The cofounder of environmentally-focused fintech Aspiration Partners has pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud. Joseph Sanberg reportedly misrepresented the company’s financial health to secure investments from high-profile backers including Steve Ballmer and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Guilty Plea in High-Profile Fintech Fraud Case
Joseph Sanberg, cofounder of green banking startup Aspiration Partners, has pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud in a Los Angeles federal court, according to court documents. The 46-year-old entrepreneur, known as an early investor in Blue Apron, faces up to 40 years in prison following his admission of guilt in a scheme that sources indicate defrauded investors of approximately $248 million.