The FBI said yesterday that Joanna Smith-Griffin, founder of AI startup AllHere Education, was involved in “aggravated identity theft involving securities fraud, wire fraud, and investor fraud” out of nearly $10 million. The indictment alleging allegations has been made public. The FBI alleged she misrepresented the company’s revenue, customer base and cash to investors from at least November 2020 through June 2024.
The company is in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Smith-Griffin faces up to 20 years in prison for securities fraud, up to 20 years for wire fraud, and a mandatory two-year sentence for aggravated identity theft if convicted. Smith-Griffin could not be reached for comment.
Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list has become a meme over the past few years as several honorees have been accused of fraud. The Forbes-to-Fraud pipeline includes FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried and Alameda Research co-CEO Caroline Ellison. Fintech Frank founder Charlie Javice and “Pharma bro” Martin Shkreli.
