Investor Fraud

IRL’s founder, Abraham Shafi, faces federal charges and an SEC lawsuit alleging $170 million investor fraud. The DOJ claims Shafi inflated IRL’s user base, misreported advertising spending to investors, and misused funds for personal expenses, including luxury items and wedding costs. IRL, once valued at $1 billion, shut down in June 2023. Shafi is indicted on wire fraud, securities fraud, and obstruction of justice. He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison per count if convicted.