Sanderley Rodrigues de Vasconcelos, known as "Sann," a former top earner in the TelexFree Ponzi scheme, is now linked to the collapse of DFRF Enterprises, a $22.8 million fraud. Documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) show Rodrigues personally recruited investors for DFRF, a move that occurred while he already faced federal charges and two prior SEC injunctions barring him from fraudulent activity.
The evidence of Rodrigues's involvement emerged in court filings supporting the SEC's request for an injunction against DFRF. An SEC attorney's declaration on July 23rd stated Rodrigues actively recruited for DFRF. One victim told investigators he first heard about DFRF from Rodrigues in May or June 2014. The victim and Rodrigues knew each other from their involvement with TelexFree and attended the same church. Rodrigues informed the potential investor that the minimum required to join DFRF was $50,000.
It remains unclear how many other individuals Rodrigues approached about DFRF. His use of church connections to solicit business for the Ponzi scheme also has not been fully determined.
However, it is confirmed that DFRF paid Rodrigues $310,000. The purpose of this payment is currently under investigation.
The victim's account suggests a possible explanation. In July or August 2014, three individuals identified as Dalman, Jesus, and Silva, who had previously worked with Rodrigues at TelexFree, approached the victim. These individuals met Rodrigues weekly at a Revere hotel during TelexFree's operation. They presented a compelling outlook for DFRF, promising investors a 15 percent monthly return. They also stated that referring new investors would yield a 10 percent commission.
These operators then invited the victim to meet an individual named Filho at a Boston hotel. The victim attended this meeting. In September 2014, he attended a presentation at DFRF's offices located at 60 State Street in Boston. Approximately six to ten other prospective investors were present. Dalman, Jesus, and Silva delivered their pitch, and Filho arrived later to address the attendees.
When a question arose from the audience regarding the feasibility of a 15 percent monthly return, Filho's response was notably confident. He claimed he could multiply investors' money by a factor of six. This claim proved false, as DFRF operated as a Ponzi scheme from its inception.
Rodrigues now faces scrutiny for his role in promoting DFRF while under SEC sanctions and awaiting trial for wire fraud. The $310,000 payment suggests his involvement went beyond passive endorsement. He appears to have actively solicited investors, utilizing relationships established through prior fraudulent schemes to recruit new victims for DFRF. This pattern of activity raises serious questions for federal investigators about the extent of Rodrigues's involvement in multiple fraudulent operations.
Victims of DFRF Enterprises can find resources and information through the SEC's website at sec.gov.