FBI agents arrested a Yorba Linda couple Wednesday on an indictment charging them with operating an alleged Ponzi scheme, according to federal court documents.
Linh Thuy Le, 59, and Trong Luu, 58, were taken into custody on wire fraud and money laundering charges stemming from a September 17 indictment.
The pair founded and operated Inventis Ventures Holding Inc. in Tustin. Prosecutors said the company was marketed as an exclusive “invite-only corporate capitalization loan program” that promised safe investments with high returns.
Le served as CEO, and Luu acted as chief financial officer.
Alleged Fraudulent Scheme
According to the indictment, the alleged scheme began in March 2022 and continued through early 2024.
Le and Luu allegedly solicited investors through word-of-mouth referrals, offering yearlong loan contracts with high monthly interest rates. Le also encouraged cash loans, prosecutors said.
In exchange for a minimum $5,000 investment, the couple promised 15% monthly interest and repayment of the principal at the end of one year. Alternatively, investors could choose an “annual contract” that skipped monthly interest in favor of a 360% annual return, with full repayment after 12 months.
Misuse of Investor Funds
Instead of investing the money as promised, prosecutors said the defendants used new investors’ funds to pay existing investors and cover personal and business expenses.
The indictment alleges that some of the funds were spent on two Yorba Linda mansions and a waterfront condominium in Huntington Beach.
Millions Raised and Misappropriated
Investigators said the couple raised about $27.5 million from 1,400 investors and personally profited about $7.4 million.
Both Le and Luu face multiple federal charges and could face significant prison time if convicted.
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