29-Year-Old Gambler Accused of Running $10 Million Ponzi Scheme

Imer Gomez, a 29-year-old self-described professional gambler, is at the center of a significant fraud case, accused of running a Ponzi scheme that allegedly defrauded more than 400 investors out of approximately $10 million. The FBI has recently added him to its Most Wanted Fraudsters list, offering a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to his arrest.

According to the FBI, Gomez raised funds by promising investors high returns from stock market trading. However, the money was reportedly used to support a lavish lifestyle and to pay earlier investors, while clients received fake account statements that indicated fictitious gains. Gomez was charged with wire fraud following a federal grand jury indictment in July 2025, and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) separately accused him of defrauding clients of around $9 million.

The SEC's complaint details how Gomez began soliciting prospective clients in August 2021 through K&G Investment Solutions LLC, later using Helios Venture Fund LLC, a company he controlled, to attract further investments. Despite presenting himself as an experienced securities trader capable of generating monthly double-digit returns, Gomez had no known experience in managing money for clients.

The SEC alleged that Gomez misled investors by claiming their accounts were insured for up to 75% of their value under certain circumstances. He reportedly obtained approximately $9 million in client deposits from August 2021 to September 2023, yet neither K&G nor Helios operated as legitimate investment funds. Instead, they were presented as investment advisers managing individual portfolios.

Gomez's promised investment services were never delivered. The SEC claimed that he did not use clients' money to trade securities or create individual investment accounts. Instead, the funds were allegedly funneled into bank accounts controlled by Gomez, where they were mixed together. To maintain the illusion of profitability, he sent clients fake account statements showing inflated balances and fictitious gains, which led some investors to contribute additional funds.

Financial Transactions Under Scrutiny

Notably, the SEC's complaint highlighted that Gomez transferred approximately $666,000 in commingled client funds to associates, including Eric Claxton, identified as the father of Gomez's former girlfriend. These transactions occurred between 2022 and 2023, with Claxton receiving significant amounts purportedly as loans, which were never repaid.

As the scheme unraveled, Gomez attempted to reassure investors in a letter sent on September 19, 2023, claiming that Helios had suffered from a "sudden and unrecoverable liquidation." He did not disclose the reasons for this alleged event, citing a non-disclosure agreement. The SEC contends that this liquidation was merely the point at which Gomez could no longer sustain the scheme with new client money.

Who Knew What

The FBI's investigation into Gomez's activities began following his indictment by a federal grand jury in the US District Court for the Western District of Texas on July 16, 2025. He is believed to be evading prosecution in Mexico. The SEC's civil complaint, filed on July 14, 2025, accused Gomez and Helios of violating several provisions of federal securities laws and sought permanent injunctions, the return of alleged ill-gotten gains with interest, and civil penalties.

The FBI's Most Wanted Fraudsters list, launched in June 2026, aims to solicit public assistance in locating fugitives involved in major fraud cases. The agency's announcement regarding Gomez's status underscores the serious nature of the allegations against him, which remain unproven until resolved in court. Anyone with information about Gomez is encouraged to contact the FBI's toll-free tipline, with the assurance that tips can remain anonymous.