
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged Ignite International Brands, a vaping company founded by social media personality Dan Bilzerian, with fraud, alleging that it falsified its financial records by creating fake invoices to inflate revenue. The SEC also charged multiple individuals connected to the company, including Dan Bilzerian's father, Paul Bilzerian, a convicted corporate raider and "recidivist" who previously faced a $62 million SEC fine. According to the SEC, Paul Bilzerian orchestrated the fraud while secretly controlling the company. The Department of Justice has also filed criminal charges against Ignite International Brands, Paul Bilzerian, and his longtime accountant, accusing them of conspiracy, wire fraud, and securities fraud. The charges were filed in the Central District of California. Dan Bilzerian was not charged, as authorities allege he did not run the company.