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Tag: U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu

  • Payza Site Seized By Feds

    The website Payza.com has been seized, the office of U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu of the District of Columbia confirmed tonight. It was not immediately clear how the action will affect Payza customers worldwide, but Liu’s office has updated an information site here.

    In the update, authorities provided an email address for persons who have questions or concerns about their Payza accounts.

    Payza was mostly mum today about prosecutors’ announcement yesterday that Payza and its operators had been indicted.

    A Facebook post today under a Payza account said this:

    As some of you may be aware of already, Payza is currently dealing with some legal matters in the United States. We cannot give any specific details at this time, but please be aware that this is an accusation and it is NOT evidence of guilt. Right now, this is affecting our Website, Blog and Reference Center, but we are working on a solution and we do not want you to worry. Unfortunately, we cannot share any more information right now.

    Thank you for your patience and understanding, 
    Team Payza

    Payza unlawfully processed more than $250 million in transactions for Ponzi schemes, pyramid schemes and a child-porn site, authorities said.

  • BULLETIN: Payza, Patel Brothers Indicted; Feds Move To Forfeit Payza.com Domain Name

    BULLETIN: A grand jury in the District of Columbia has indicted the operators of Payza and moved for the forfeiture of the Payza.com domain name.

    Ferhan Patel, 37, has been arrested in Detroit and is being held.  Firoz Patel, 43, is listed by U.S. authorities as “at large.” The Payza.com domain name appears still to be operational.

    Charges include money-laundering and operating an unlicensed money-service business that processed payments for Ponzi schemes, pyramid schemes and child pornography.

    The case has been under investigation for years. Homeland Security Investigations led the probe.

    “The arrest and indictments in this case demonstrate that we will vigorously enforce laws meant to protect the American consumer,” said U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu of the District of Columbia. “Money transmitting businesses are required to be registered federally and licensed in most states and jurisdictions, including the District of Columbia.  Consumers should beware of those that do not follow these laws because they could be acting as a cover for other illegal activity.”