SEC and DOJ Allege California Couple Orchestrated $100 Million Investment Fraud, Generating $26 Million in Illicit Profits

U.S. law enforcement has charged a Southern California couple with orchestrating a $100 million fraud and money laundering operation. Brett Rosen, 45, and Deborah Braun Rosen, 44, allegedly ran a series of investment schemes through their joint business, RB Capital Partners, Inc., using misleading promotions to manipulate stock prices while secretly selling their own holdings for profit.

The case underscores ongoing challenges regulators face in tracking high-value financial crime in the digital age, where online communications and social media amplify both reach and risk. Prosecutors allege that the Rosens used illicit gains to fund luxury residences in San Diego’s La Jolla Shores area, including multi-million-dollar mansions, highlighting how high-scale financial crimes often intertwine with extravagant lifestyles.

SEC and DOJ Involvement

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed charges alongside the Department of Justice, accusing the couple of securities fraud, conspiracy, and laundering monetary instruments. The SEC’s complaint also names former Solar Integrated Roofing CEO David M. Massey in connection with falsified corporate statements and stock promotion activities. Authorities report that the couple generated over $26 million in illicit profits.

Arrests, Court Proceedings, and Investigation

Brett Rosen appeared in court on a $500,000 bond. No date has been set for trial. Investigators continue to examine records of stock transactions, digital communications, and related financial activity to identify further potential violations and trace the flow of funds. Enforcement agencies emphasized the broader implications of such schemes, noting that even sophisticated, high-profile individuals can exploit market mechanisms to commit large-scale fraud.

BrokersView Warns: Investor Alert

BrokersView cautions that online investment promotions—especially those leveraging social media, celebrity endorsements, or urgent calls to act—should be carefully scrutinized. Criminals continue to exploit digital channels and regulatory gaps, making vigilance essential. Investors are advised to verify claims through official filings, remain skeptical of unusually high returns, and report suspicious activity promptly.