A Fort Lauderdale resident has admitted to operating a large-scale investment fraud scheme that took in more than $94 million from international investors, primarily targeting Venezuelan nationals. Andrew Hamilton Jacobus, 64, pleaded guilty on November 14 to charges of wire fraud and money laundering.
According to court documents, Jacobus presented himself as an experienced financial advisor managing legitimate portfolios. However, authorities say he misused investor funds for personal expenses and used new investments to pay earlier investors in what prosecutors described as a Ponzi scheme.
The fraudulent activity occurred between 2004 and 2023. During this period, Jacobus solicited funds through entities under his control—Kronus Financial Corporation and Finser International Corporation—by promising secure investment opportunities with high returns. Instead of investing the money as promised, Jacobus forged account statements and documentation while diverting client funds for luxury spending and making payments characteristic of Ponzi schemes.
Jacobus faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each count. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal factors.
“U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Ronald A. Loecker of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Florida Field Office, made the announcement.”
The IRS Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation into this case.
“Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert F. Moore is prosecuting. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mitch Hyman is handling asset forfeiture.”
Additional information about related court documents can be found at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 25-cr-20309.
