A Fort Lauderdale man pleaded guilty Nov. 14 to charges stemming from a years-long scheme that defrauded international investors, mostly Venezuelan nationals, of more than $94 million.
According to court documents, Andrew Hamilton Jacobus, 64, misrepresented himself as a seasoned financial advisor managing legitimate investment portfolios, diverting investors’ funds for personal use and paying profits to early investors in a classic pyramid scheme.
From 2004 to 2023, Jacobus raised funds through affiliated entities such as Kronos Financial Corporation and Fincer International Corporation, promising access to safe investment products and high-yield returns. In reality, Jacobus falsified account statements, forged documents, and diverted client funds for lavish personal expenses and Ponzi payments.
Jacobus pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering. He could face up to 20 years in federal prison on each charge. A federal district court judge determines the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The announcement was made by Jason A. Redding Quiñones, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Ronald A. Locker, Special Agent in Charge of the Florida Field Office, IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).
IRS-CI is investigating the incident.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert F. Moore is prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mitch Hyman is in charge of asset forfeiture.
