⏱ 2 min read
Kenneth Bardwell, a 66-year-old West Bloomfield resident, has been charged with running a massive investment fraud scheme that scammed investors out of millions of dollars. The scheme, which was allegedly used to fund a lavish lifestyle, involved soliciting investments for a fake sports and entertainment complex in Romulus, Michigan. Bardwell, who operated under the company name Motown Sports Group Holdings, Inc., promised investors that their money would be used to purchase land and develop the project, but instead used it to buy luxury goods and fund his own expenses.
According to the complaint, Bardwell spent almost none of the investor funds on the actual project, instead using it to buy gentlemen’s clubs, luxury retail goods, rental cars, and other lifestyle expenses for himself and his associates. The FBI, which is leading the investigation, is seeking information from any individuals who may have invested money with Motown Sports Group Holdings, Inc. or Kenneth Bardwell.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert Moran, and the investigation is being conducted by the FBI Detroit Fraud and Financial Crimes Task Force, Birmingham Police Department, Bloomfield Township Police Department, and West Bloomfield Police Department. Bardwell has been charged with one count of wire fraud, and the complaint alleges that he made almost no effort to purchase the land or develop the project as promised to investors.
The investigation is ongoing, and a determination will be made whether to seek a felony indictment when it is complete. The FBI is urging anyone with information about the scheme to come forward and assist in the investigation.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: Michigan
- Location: MI
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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