BUFFALO, N.Y. — Michael Wilson, 29, of Hamburg, NY, is back on American soil — not to enjoy the winter chill, but to face justice. After years on the run, Wilson was extradited from Vietnam and arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy on 47 counts of wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy. The charges stem from a years-long scheme to siphon more than $8 million from unsuspecting investors between June 2008 and July 2009, with an additional $71,875 targeted in July 2010.
According to the indictment, Wilson crafted a web of deception under the umbrella of fake investment firms branded as “New Frontier,” including names like “Phantom Holdings,” all allegedly based at 6553 Boston State Road in Hamburg — right next to his home. Promising sky-high returns through complex-sounding instruments like “leveraging agreements,” Wilson lured individuals and companies into handing over cash, none of which was ever invested. Instead, federal prosecutors say, the money vanished into a vortex of luxury: a $2.5 million down payment on property, a Hummer, a Corvette, two Land Rovers, a Mercedes ML 500, artwork, and other indulgences.
In a move straight out of a crime thriller, Wilson didn’t just hide behind fake companies — he hired an actor. In January 2009, he paid $1,800 to a Toronto talent agency to have someone portray a man named “George Possiodis,” a fictional identity Wilson used during his fraud spree. The alias wasn’t just a name — it was a character in an elaborate con that spanned borders, bank accounts, and years of federal investigation.
The scheme began to crack in 2010 when Wilson and his brother, William Wilson, attempted to receive two wire transfers totaling $71,875, purportedly for investment through “Zodiak Capital,” another of Michael’s shell companies. But the feds were watching. $70,325 of the transfer was frozen and seized before it could be withdrawn, a blow to the operation — and a signal that the net was closing.
Learning he was under federal scrutiny, Wilson, a dual Canadian citizen, fled to Toronto. Arrested in July 2013, he was released under conditions while fighting extradition. But before his final Canadian court hearing in February 2016, Wilson vanished — flying to Vietnam with his wife, mother, and three dogs. He was arrested there in June 2016 and has been locked up ever since, awaiting removal. Now, he’s back in Western New York federal custody, awaiting a detention hearing scheduled for December 15, 2016, at 2:00 p.m.
Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. made it clear: “This case shows that we will literally travel across the globe in our pursuit of justice.” The case was built through a sprawling international effort involving the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, Toronto Police, Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security, LEGAT Seoul, and the U.S. State Department. The government is now seeking forfeiture of over $3 million in stolen investor funds. Each wire fraud count carries up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; money laundering charges carry up to 10 years each. Michael Wilson’s luck has run out — and his next address may be a federal prison cell.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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