Businessman Luis González Hirzel pleaded guilty in federal court in San Juan on Friday, October 9, to one count of wire fraud, under an agreement with federal prosecutors that avoids a grand jury indictment. The plea document says that between May 2020 and August 2023 he devised a scheme to defraud numerous people with false statements, promising secure returns of 4% to 15% monthly.
He used emails, WhatsApp messages and Zoom video calls to carry it out. The scheme involved three companies: Caribbean Hemp, F&L Food and Provisions (purported import of fruit pulp from South America) and Dala Ari 486 (purported import of personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic). Two initial investors recruited relatives and friends after receiving payments disguised as returns.
A financial analysis of the bank accounts shows none of the invested money was used as he stated; he instead paid other investors and funded his lifestyle, including private plane flights, international trips, meals, purchases and private school tuition. He acknowledges a total loss of about $1,033,685, but the parties agreed to $1.5 million in restitution, including uncharged conduct.
The payment list names 17 harmed investors by initials, six of whom lent more than $100,000; one lent $250,000. The parties agreed to recommend a year and a day in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Gina R. Méndez Miró will decide the sentence at a hearing set for January 1, 2027.