FBI Offers $150,000 Reward for Christopher W. Burns in $10 Million Georgia Fraud Case
Millions Allegedly Lost in Investment Scheme
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Christopher W. Burns, who is wanted in connection with an alleged multimillion-dollar mail fraud scheme in Georgia. According to the FBI, Burns allegedly defrauded dozens of victims of at least $10 million through investments he represented as part of a “peer-to-peer” lending program. Burns disappeared in September 2020, shortly before he was expected to provide business records to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Peer-to-Peer Lending Investments
Burns allegedly solicited money from victims by telling them their funds would be invested through a peer-to-peer lending program. According to the FBI, Burns represented that loans made through the program were secured by collateral. These representations allegedly gave investors confidence that assets existed to protect their money.
Federal authorities allege that the actual circumstances were substantially different. Investigators say some of the collateral Burns promised did not exist, while other collateral was worth significantly less than he represented. The alleged misrepresentations ultimately became part of a federal mail fraud investigation.
At Least $10 Million in Losses
According to the FBI, dozens of victims were affected by Burns’ alleged investment operation. Authorities estimate that victims were defrauded of at least $10 million. The significant losses resulted in federal scrutiny of Burns and his business activities.
Investigators focused on how Burns represented the investments and the collateral supposedly supporting them. The alleged discrepancies between what investors were told and what actually existed became central to the case. Authorities subsequently sought business records connected with Burns’ operations.
SEC Sought Business Documents
Burns was expected to turn over documents related to his businesses to the Securities and Exchange Commission. The deadline was scheduled for September 25, 2020. Burns disappeared one day before he was expected to provide those materials.
According to the FBI, Burns left his home on September 24, 2020, and has not been seen since. The timing of his disappearance became a significant element of the continuing investigation. Authorities have sought information concerning where he traveled immediately after leaving his residence.
Vehicle Found Abandoned
Burns’ last known residence was in Berkeley Lake, Georgia, according to the FBI. The vehicle he had been driving was subsequently located abandoned in Dunwoody, Georgia. The discovery provided investigators with an important lead but did not resolve the question of where Burns went afterward.
Information concerning anyone who encountered Burns around September 24, 2020, could potentially assist investigators in reconstructing his movements. Authorities may also be interested in information concerning transportation, residences, associates, financial activity, or other arrangements made around the time of his disappearance.
Federal Mail Fraud Charge
On October 23, 2020, approximately one month after Burns disappeared, a federal arrest warrant was issued by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia in Atlanta. Burns was federally charged with mail fraud. He has remained wanted while the criminal case awaits resolution.
The charge stems from the investment fraud scheme described by federal authorities. Burns has not been convicted of the mail fraud charge, and the allegations against him remain to be resolved through the judicial process. The FBI continues seeking information capable of locating him.
Years-Long Disappearance
Burns’ disappearance has now lasted for years, making information from former acquaintances, investors, business associates, or others familiar with him potentially significant. Even information concerning his movements immediately before or after September 24, 2020, could help investigators establish a more complete timeline. His appearance may also have changed since photographs associated with the original investigation were released.
Individuals with information concerning possible aliases, residences, employment, travel, or financial activity connected with Burns are encouraged to provide it directly to authorities. Members of the public should not attempt to independently track or apprehend him. Potential sightings should be reported through official law-enforcement channels.
FBI Offers Reward of Up to $150,000
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to Burns’ arrest and conviction. Authorities remain interested in information concerning his disappearance from Berkeley Lake and the circumstances surrounding the discovery of his abandoned vehicle in Dunwoody. Information capable of establishing where he went after September 24, 2020, may be particularly important.
Anyone with credible information concerning Christopher W. Burns should contact the FBI. Authorities are also interested in information from people who may have interacted with Burns professionally, financially, or personally before or after his disappearance. The FBI continues seeking public assistance in bringing the longstanding fugitive case to a resolution.
