Federal prosecutors in Manhattan charged Josh Wander, co-founder of 777 Partners, with defrauding lenders and investors of more than $500 million (£372m). Prosecutors accused the 44-year-old of lying and using fake financial documents to inflate his company’s finances.
Wander’s firm, 777 Partners, had previously attempted to buy Premier League club Everton, but the deal collapsed in June 2024. Later that year, Farhad Moshiri sold the club to the Friedkin Group.
US Attorney Jay Clayton said Wander used false bank statements and fabricated assets to deceive investors.
“Wander cheated lenders and investors out of hundreds of millions by pledging assets 777 did not own,” Clayton said.
Ricky J. Patel, special agent in charge, described the company’s financial image as “an illusion of stability built like a house of cards.”
Fraud Scheme Stretched Across Multiple Industries
Prosecutors said that starting in 2018, Wander began investing in risky ventures such as streaming platforms, airlines, and sports clubs, including Sevilla FC and Genoa CFC. They claimed he made these moves while knowing 777 lacked the funds or had already pledged them to other lenders.
Investigators said Wander concealed the company’s true financial state, continuing to attract investors under false pretenses. The Miami-based investment group presented itself as expanding rapidly across industries, while internally struggling with debt and misrepresentation.
Authorities alleged that Wander’s fraudulent behavior extended across multiple markets, helping him maintain false confidence among partners and sustain funding for years.
Wander Faces Multiple Fraud Charges and Denies Wrongdoing
Federal prosecutors charged Wander with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and securities fraud, each carrying a maximum 20-year prison sentence. He also faces one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, which carries a five-year maximum term.
Jordan Estes, Wander’s lawyer, denied all allegations in a statement to Bloomberg.
“This is a business dispute disguised as a criminal case,” Estes said. “We look forward to clearing Josh’s name.”
The case marks the latest blow for 777 Partners, which has faced growing scrutiny over its financial dealings. The firm’s failed bid for Everton and its mounting legal troubles have raised questions about its global investments and transparency within the sports and finance industries.
