FBI probes self-help guru Tai Lopez in 'Ponzi scheme' that acquired RadioShack, Pier 1 Imports

The feds are investigating allegations that Lopez and his business partners ran a fraudulent retail empire that squandered investors' retirement and college savings funds.

Feb. 10, 2026 at 5:47pm

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The FBI is interviewing aggrieved investors in Retail Ecommerce Ventures (REV), a defunct company that had acquired several ailing retail brands during the pandemic, as part of a criminal probe into allegations that self-help guru Tai Lopez and his business partners ran the company like a Ponzi scheme. The Securities and Exchange Commission has already filed civil fraud allegations against Lopez, Alex Mehr, and Maya Rose Burkenroad, and the trio is in settlement talks with the agency.

Why it matters

This case highlights the risks of investing in unproven business ventures promoted by social media influencers, even those with large followings. It also raises concerns about the vulnerability of small investors who may be drawn in by promises of outsized returns, as well as the broader challenges facing the retail industry as it navigates the shift to e-commerce.

The details

According to the report, REV acquired a slew of bankrupt retail brands like RadioShack, Pier 1 Imports, Linens 'N Things, Modell's Sporting Goods, Stein Mart, and the Franklin Mint with the goal of turning them into thriving e-commerce businesses. However, REV's rapid expansion left it saddled with debt and little cash flow. Meanwhile, Lopez and his business partners allegedly lived lavish lifestyles, posting photos on social media of themselves traveling by private jet and hosting parties at a rented Beverly Hills mansion.

  • In 2020, REV started buying bankrupt retailers.
  • Six months ago, the SEC leveled civil fraud allegations against Lopez, Mehr, and Burkenroad.
  • The FBI is currently interviewing aggrieved REV investors as part of a criminal probe.

The players

Tai Lopez

A self-help guru who created the doomed retail empire of REV, which acquired several ailing retail brands during the pandemic.

Alex Mehr

Lopez's business partner who previously worked in 'risk and safety management of NASA's space exploration missions'.

Maya Rose Burkenroad

Lopez's cousin and the president of REV.

Retail Ecommerce Ventures (REV)

The defunct company that acquired several bankrupt retail brands with the goal of turning them into thriving e-commerce businesses.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

The federal agency that has filed civil fraud allegations against Lopez, Mehr, and Burkenroad, and is now in settlement talks with the trio.

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What they’re saying

“Lopez seemed credible. The story sounded so good. They had all these brands.”

— Nelson Rowe, 82-year-old retired real-estate broker who invested $300,000

“Give us as much money as you can. These deals are poppin' off and we can't get them fast enough.”

— Joseph Bertao, Construction sales executive who invested $350,000

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether or not to allow Lopez, Mehr, and Burkenroad to settle with the SEC, and the FBI's criminal probe is ongoing.

The takeaway

This case highlights the risks of investing in unproven business ventures promoted by social media influencers, as well as the vulnerability of small investors who may be drawn in by promises of outsized returns. It also raises broader questions about the challenges facing the retail industry as it navigates the shift to e-commerce.