Wellness Influencer Accused of Embezzling $2.3 Million
A wellness influencer has been accused of embezzling over $2.3 million from two prominent real estate investors, whom she once referred to as her “role models.” This alleged scheme spanned three years, during which the influencer misused the funds to support her beauty business and indulge in luxury items, according to reports.
Details of the Fraudulent Activities
Bobbi Vargas, 46, was arrested on Wednesday after authorities uncovered that she had used five credit cards belonging to finance experts Grant and Elena Cardone for nearly $450,000 in fraudulent purchases on Amazon between April 2021 and March 2024. This revelation comes from a Las Vegas Metro police report obtained by KLAS.
Funds Misappropriation Insights
Vargas, who operates under the brand name Bodel, allegedly funneled nearly $2 million from the Cardones’ credit cards into a PayPal account. According to police, her financial activities exhibited a deliberate effort to launder stolen funds through a front company, Bodella LLC.
Luxury Purchases Galore
The Instagram influencer, who boasts over 202,000 followers, reportedly made more than 7,400 online transactions using the stolen funds. These included extravagant items like a brick pizza oven, an 83-inch television, and a high-end gas stove, along with approximately $169,000 spent on designer products.
Payroll and Additional Fraudulent Activities
Vargas employed a personal shopper, housekeeper, electrician, and contractor, with other funds showing significant spending at stores such as Pottery Barn, Net-a-Porter, and eBay. Moreover, a third victim, described as a “friend,” revealed that Vargas allegedly paid back a $100,000 loan with fake currency stored in a shoebox.
Investigation Triggered by Credit Card Alerts
The police investigation began after American Express flagged suspicious charges on Elena Cardone’s account. This included transactions such as sending 10 Amazon gift cards to Vargas. Detectives traced these fraudulent activities back to Vargas after discovering the source of the fake currency used for the repayment.
Legal Consequences and Court Appearance
Vargas is facing 19 felony charges, including multiple counts of theft exceeding $100,000 and attempted money laundering. Upon her appearance in Las Vegas Justice Court, she received a stern warning from the presiding judge, who cautioned that any further legal issues would result in custody.
Social Media Response
In a response to her arrest, Vargas took to Instagram to express that “there’s always two sides to a story.” If convicted, she faces a potential sentence of over 20 years in prison, making this case a significant topic of discussion in the realms of social media influence and financial ethics.
Scandalous Fraud Involving Influencer and Real Estate Moguls
A wellness influencer has been accused of orchestrating a multi-million dollar fraud scheme, reportedly stealing over $2.3 million from two high-profile real estate investors. The case has drawn widespread attention as it unveils a series of extravagant expenditures made by the influencer.
Arrest of the Influencer
On Wednesday, authorities arrested the alleged perpetrator, a 46-year-old business owner, after uncovering significant evidence linking her to fraudulent financial activities. Reports indicate that she utilized multiple credit cards affiliated with the investors to amass almost $450,000 in unauthorized purchases through online platforms.
Details of the Fraudulent Activities
The investigation revealed that the influencer established a front company to conceal her unlawful activities. According to police reports, she funneled money into a PayPal account using nearly $2 million obtained through her deceptive practices. This scheme included more than 7,400 online purchases, ranging from luxury goods to lavish home appliances.
Luxury Spending and Business Expenditures
Among her extravagant acquisitions were a state-of-the-art pizza oven, high-end electronics, and designer apparel, totaling approximately $169,000. Additionally, records disclosed that she diverted about $800,000 toward operating expenses for her business and various employees.
Unusual Repayment Methods
In a peculiar twist, one of her associates reported that she attempted to repay a $100,000 loan with counterfeit currency. Investigation into this claim revealed that she had ordered a significant quantity of prop money just days before the intended repayment meeting.
Investigation and Charges
The investigation was catalyzed when unusual transactions were flagged by a major credit card company, prompting scrutiny into her financial dealings. She now faces a total of 19 felony charges, including multiple counts of theft and money laundering.
Future Implications
After her court appearance, the judge issued a stern warning, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences she could face if found guilty. If convicted, the influencer could spend over two decades behind bars, a stark reminder of the repercussions of financial crime.
Conclusion: The Other Side of the Story
Following her arrest, the influencer took to social media to express her side of the story, noting that there are always two perspectives in any situation. As this case unfolds, it serves as a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls of fame and the consequences of unethical behavior in the business world.
