Man Arrested for $12 Million Advance Fee Loan Scam

FL OFR Enforcement Case Updates

Filed February 6th, 2026

Detected March 18th, 2026

Summary

The Florida Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) partnered with the FBI to arrest Justin Scott Godur for an alleged $12 million advance fee loan scam. Godur is charged with wire fraud and money laundering for defrauding victims seeking large credit facilities.

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What changed

Justin Scott Godur was arrested and charged with six counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering in connection with an alleged $12 million advance fee loan scam. Godur purportedly posed as a financial intermediary capable of securing credit facilities of $100 million to $500 million, inducing victims to pay upfront fees for due diligence and other services. The OFR and FBI investigation revealed no legitimate source of income other than victim funds, and that Godur allegedly continued soliciting new victims while changing company structures to evade detection.

This enforcement action highlights the risks associated with advance fee schemes in the financial services sector. Regulated entities and individuals should be aware of these tactics, particularly the use of ostentatious displays of wealth and diversionary tactics to conceal fraudulent activities. While no specific compliance deadline is mentioned for regulated entities, this case serves as a warning regarding due diligence and the potential for severe criminal penalties, including wire fraud and money laundering charges, for engaging in such fraudulent schemes.

What to do next

Review internal controls for identifying and reporting potential advance fee loan scams.
Educate compliance staff on common red flags associated with fraudulent financial intermediaries.
Report any suspicious activities or potential victims to relevant law enforcement agencies.

Penalties

Charged with six counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering.

Source document (simplified)

Boca Raton Man Arrested in Alleged $12 Million Advance Fee for Loan Scam

February 6, 2026 Justin Scott Godur was arrested and charged with six counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering.

Godur allegedly represented himself and his affiliated entities as sophisticated financial intermediaries capable of securing high-value credit facilities ranging from approximately $100 million to $500 million, touting luxury real estate development experience, and alleged relationships with global investors and private lenders. He also allegedly cultivated trust with victims by engaging in extreme displays of wealth, such as hosting potential victims at luxury restaurants and hotels to reinforce the false perception that he possessed significant financial resources. Victims were purportedly induced to transmit substantial upfront fees under the pretense that such payments were required for due diligence and underwriting, lender insurance, correspondent lending arrangements, and facilitation of domestic and European credit lines. When victims demanded proof of funding progress, Godur purportedly employed several diversionary tactics to delay or deflect accountability. However, a review of financial records associated with Godur and his multiple entities revealed no alleged legitimate source of income other than victims’ funds. The investigation further revealed that Godur purportedly actively solicited new victims while changing company names and structures to avoid detection and impede recovery efforts made by previous victims.

The OFR partnered with the FBI in this criminal enforcement action. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Florida.

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