'Amazon Store' E-Commerce Partnership Scheme Halted In Austin

AUSTIN, TX — State regulators have halted an Austin-based investment scheme tied to an online liquidation business they termed as fraudulent, officials said Monday.

The Texas State Securities Board filed an emergency action accusing Christopher Koozekanani of illegally marketing “secured” partnership interests issued by Prime Liquidators — an online liquidation business purportedly dealing in high-end products such as expensive handmade imported rugs and home furnishings, regulators explained in an advisory. Prime Liquidators purportedly operates as an “Amazon Store,” officials added, profiting by selling these goods for below-market prices.

Investors can buy into the opportunity for as little as $2,000, according to the order. Koozekanani is accused of telling investors their purchases can reap lucrative returns — even potentially receiving a return of principal after four months and then simply profit from a passive stream of residual income, regulators said.

"Although any 'secured' investment may prove appealing, Koozekanani is charged with concealing critical information from investors — including information about NeuMacro Investments, LLC, the parent company of Prime Liquidators, and Michael Ray Abri, the principal of NeuMacro Investments," regulators wrote. "The order also accuses parties of misleading investors about the security and profitability of the investments."

The respondents are not registered to sell securities in Texas, officials added, and the partnership interests issued by Prime Liquidators are not registered for sale in Texas.

"Koozekanani has a checkered history of dealing in investments," regulators added. "Beginning as early as 2016, Koozekanani allegedly perpetrated prior investment schemes tied to cryptocurrency and foreign currency trading. The order alleges he failed to fulfill his obligations to prior investors and/or they lost principal in the schemes."

Regulators also accuse Koozekanani of having borrowed money from at least one prior investor and failed to repay the loan, according to the order. The debt, according to the order, remains unpaid.

“It is not the season for fraud,” Texas State Securities Board Commissioner Travis J. Iles said. “The agency’s investigation shows that Koozekanani has been threatening public harm. I filed this action to protect Texans from Koozekanani and the parties’ recent attempt to defraud Texans interested in increasing opportunities presented by e-commerce.”

NeuMacro Investments, Prime Liquidators, Koozekanani and Abri have 30 days to challenge the allegations, he added. Iles thanked the Lakeway Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, San Antonio Division, for their assistance in the case.