Olaf Janke, Mail and Wire Fraud, Oregon 2023

PORTLAND, Ore. – Olaf Janke, 48, of Portland, Oregon, has admitted to systematically defrauding investors out of millions through his position as owner and Chief Financial Officer of Aequitas Management, LLC. Janke pleaded guilty today to charges of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and money laundering, bringing him one step closer to facing justice for a scheme that left a trail of financial ruin.

According to court documents, Janke, alongside Brian A. Oliver, 54, of Aurora, Oregon, and other unnamed co-conspirators, operated Aequitas out of Lake Oswego, Oregon, pitching investments in notes and funds falsely advertised as backed by solid trade receivables. These receivables were supposedly tied to industries like education, healthcare, transportation, and consumer credit – a carefully constructed facade to lure unsuspecting investors. Janke, as CFO and executive vice president until early 2015, bore significant responsibility for the operation and the misappropriation of investor funds.

Between June 2014 and February 2016, the trio actively misled investors about the true state of Aequitas. They painted a picture of financial health and strength while concealing a desperate reality of near-constant cash flow problems. Investors were kept in the dark about the fact that their money was being used to pay off earlier investors – a classic Ponzi scheme tactic – and to cover basic operating expenses. Crucially, they failed to disclose the complete lack of collateral securing these risky investments. It was a house of cards built on lies and fueled by investor dollars.

Even as the scheme began to crumble, Janke acted with brazen self-interest. In March 2015, he quietly exited Aequitas, cashing out his equity for a staggering $1.3 million. He knew full well this payout was derived from fraudulently obtained funds, enriching himself while others faced potential financial devastation. This wasn’t simply negligence; it was calculated theft.

Janke now faces a potential maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison, along with fines totaling up to $500,000 or twice the gross monetary gains or losses resulting from his crimes. He’ll also be subject to three years of supervised release following his incarceration. Sentencing is scheduled for September 25, 2019, before U.S. District Court Judge Michael H. Simon. As part of his plea agreement, Janke has agreed to full restitution to all victims, as determined by the court.

Brian A. Oliver, Janke’s co-conspirator, previously pleaded guilty to the same charges on April 19, 2019. The investigation, led by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration, underscores the federal government’s commitment to prosecuting complex financial crimes. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott E. Bradford and Ryan W. Bounds are prosecuting the case, ensuring those responsible are held accountable for their actions. This case serves as a stark warning: financial deception will not be tolerated.

Related Federal Cases