⏱ 2 min read
Olof Kyros Gustafsson, a 32-year-old Swedish national, has been sentenced to 4 years in federal prison for defrauding investors by marketing and selling products using the likeness of late Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar in California. Between July 2019 and November 2023, Gustafsson, also known as ‘El Silencio’, used Escobar’s persona to sell fake products, including flamethrowers and cellphones, to customers, receiving payments via various channels. Gustafsson was the CEO of Escobar Inc., a corporation registered in Puerto Rico that held successor-in-interest rights to Escobar’s persona and legacy.
Gustafsson pleaded guilty in July 2025 to multiple counts of conspiracy, wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering. He was ordered to pay $1,300,193 in restitution and fined $25,000. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha.
Gustafsson’s scheme involved identifying existing products in the marketplace and then using Escobar’s likeness to market and advertise similar products at a lower price. He sold these products to customers, who paid via PayPal, Stripe, and Coinbase, among other payment processors.
The case highlights the ongoing issue of fraud and financial crimes in California, with scammers using various tactics to deceive investors and customers. Gustafsson’s use of Escobar’s likeness added a unique twist to the scheme, but ultimately did not fool law enforcement.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: California
- Location: CA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News