In an act of legal recourse, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. disclosed the indictment of William Julian, also known as Bill Julian, 51, who is accused of posing as an investor to defraud at least five individuals of more than $300,000. As per the indictment reported by the Manhattan DA's Office, Julian faces charges including two counts of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, three counts of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, and one count of Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree.
Between July 2020 and December 2023, Julian is alleged to have led victims to believe, under the guise of a high-powered financier, that he could secure funding for their various enterprises. "As alleged, William Julian posed as a wealthy investor who could help fund business ventures, when in reality, he stole more than $300,000 and spent it on personal expenses," Bragg said in a press release. In a routine filled with deception, Julian used the seemingly credible but fraudulent names Cardona Group, Paradigm International Group Inc., and IFACH LLC to create a false appearance of legitimate business operations.
The indictment details that Julian persuaded victims to make upfront payments for supposed "legal" and "due diligence" fees, then repeatedly delayed providing the promised funding and services. He allegedly quickly diverted these funds to his personal accounts, including international ones, and used the money for expenses such as flights, rent, dining, and retail purchases, as reported by the Manhattan DA's Office.
Bragg’s office has urged the public to remain vigilant as the investigation continues, noting that more individuals may have been affected by Julian’s scheme. Potential victims are encouraged to come forward and contact the Financial Frauds Bureau at 212-335-8900. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant D.A. Noreen Stackhouse, with support from the Financial Frauds Bureau’s prosecutorial team.
Members of the Forensic Accounting & Financial Investigation Bureau and the Investigation Bureau have also contributed to this detailed investigation. These teams, consisting of analysts, paralegals, and investigators, have worked together under the leadership of bureau chiefs and Executive Assistant D.A. Jodie Kane in a coordinated effort to uncover the facts behind Julian’s financial fraud.
