The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filed civil charges against three New Jersey residents over an alleged affinity investment fraud that raised approximately USD 47 million from at least 87 investors, primarily members of Orthodox Jewish communities in New Jersey and New York. The SEC alleges that Leor Moshe promised fixed returns of 9% to 53% from investments funding short-term business loans, but misappropriated more than USD 11 million for personal expenses and used more than USD 850,000 for Ponzi-like payments. Investors allegedly lost more than USD 25 million when the scheme collapsed in 2023. Moshe faces federal securities antifraud charges. Jacob Goldman and Isaac Odes are charged with acting as unregistered brokers after allegedly recruiting at least 25 investors who invested more than USD 23 million, negotiating terms and facilitating fund collection in exchange for transaction-based compensation. The SEC seeks permanent injunctions, disgorgement with prejudgment interest and civil penalties against all three defendants, as well as a conduct-based injunction against Moshe. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey separately announced criminal charges against Moshe for similar conduct.
U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission2026-08-13
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission charges three New Jersey residents over alleged USD 47 million affinity fraud
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission charged three New Jersey residents over an alleged USD 47 million affinity fraud that caused more than USD 25 million in investor losses. The SEC alleges that Leor Moshe misappropriated more than USD 11 million, while Jacob Goldman and Isaac Odes raised more than USD 23 million as unregistered brokers.