Ramesh Kris Nathan, the man behind what turned out to be a sham technology company, has been sentenced to 51 months in federal prison on charges of wire fraud and money laundering. U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria delivered the sentence after an eight-day trial that ended in February of this year, during which Nathan, 43, was convicted by a federal jury. The facts of the case revealed a sophisticated scheme to defraud investors, many of whom had served our country as veterans.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Nathan's ruse involved Relativity Research Fund, Inc., a supposed tech venture promising advancements in robotics and space travel. Nathan ensnared investors through a series of misleading claims, suggesting false existing capital, significant profits, and an inflated global presence with numerous employees. A bank account set up in San Francisco was central to the scheme, serving as the repository for the ill-gotten gains.
Details from the trial reveal a deep level of deception. In addition to convincing lies about trading on the Nasdaq Private Market, Nathan funneled the funds into his own pockets, spending on personal splurges and transferring money to close family members, including his mother and then-girlfriend. The intermediary he used to communicate with potential investors, primarily consisting of veterans, helped perpetuate these falsehoods and draw in more funds from unsuspecting individuals seeking a solid investment.
The consequences for Nathan extend beyond the prison term. Judge Chhabria imposed a period of supervised release and mandated restitution of around $300,000. Nathan will begin his sentence on March 13, 2026. United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani announced the sentencing, emphasizing the collaborative effort in the investigation by the FBI and the prosecution by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Roland Chang and Sara Henderson, with assistance from Tina Rosenbaum.
