A business owner is accused of spearheading a semi truck investment fraud scheme that duped hundreds of victims out of more than $105 million.
Kristopher Lunsford, 46, of Henderson, Nevada, was charged by indictment with six counts of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering, according to a September 25 statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.
Officials say that Lunsford induced hundreds of victims to invest in a trucking business by purchasing leases for semi trucks.
Victims were falsely told that Lunsford would handle purchasing the trucks, hiring the drivers, and insuring the trucks “while the investors performed no work and earned passive income,” authorities said.
As part of the scheme, Lunsford allegedly told victims they could invest approximately $25,000 and $40,000 per truck and in return, they would “earn a guaranteed weekly payout, typically in an amount between approximately $1,000 and $1,250, generated from profits of Lunsford’s operation of the trucks.”
The scheme netted more than $105 million between December 2023 and May 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
Authorities allege that Lunsford used $75 million of funds from newer investors to pay off earlier investors. Another $25 million was reportedly used for purchases of real estate, sports cars, jewelry, luxury brand items, private charters, and expenditures at resorts, casinos, and nightclubs. Approximately $2 million was spent on business-related expenses and operations.
If convicted, Lunsford faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each wire fraud count and up to 10 years in prison on each money laundering count.
The federal government will seek an order for Lunsford to forfeit $105,940,214.93.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission has filed a related civil enforcement action against Lunsford, AKL Transport LLC, and Southern Truck Leasing LLC in Florida.
