Josh Wander, co-founder of US investment firm 777 Partners, has been charged with defrauding investors and lenders of more than $500 million.
Fraud and fake documents
According to US prosecutors, Wander used falsified financial documents to exaggerate the company’s wealth and secure loans. The Manhattan attorney’s office said he pledged assets that 777 Partners did not own and made false statements to mislead lenders.
Everton takeover collapse
Wander’s firm attempted to buy Premier League club Everton in 2024, but the deal fell through in June. The Friedkin Group later completed the club’s purchase in December that year.
Investments under scrutiny
Prosecutors allege that since 2018, Wander had been pouring money into risky sectors such as streaming platforms, airlines, and football clubs like Sevilla FC and Genoa CFC — even when the company lacked sufficient funds. Investigators described 777’s operations as “a years-long house of cards.”
Facing serious charges
The 44-year-old from Miami faces multiple counts of wire and securities fraud. Each of the major charges carries a possible sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
Wander denies allegations
His lawyer, Jordan Estes, rejected the accusations, calling the case “a business dispute dressed up as a criminal case.” Estes added that Wander looks forward to clearing his name in court.
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