A Marietta resident who attempted to fool the federal government using sham businesses, fraudulent payrolls, and the names of famous figures is now paying the price. Federal prosecutors call the operation bold, sloppy, and fueled by greed, not need. It concluded with a long prison sentence and millions in confiscated assets.

The scheme centers on Carl Delano Torjagbo, 50, who launched his fraud during the pandemic. His approach blended fake tax documents with a huge Paycheck Protection Program loan request. On paper, it looked convincing—but the details told a different story.

The Scam Artist Schemed a Pandemic Hustle

Lee / Pexels / Court files show that, in early 2021, Torjagbo filed individual tax returns using different Social Security numbers and birth dates. Federal prosecutors say the returns claimed more than $3 million in tax withholdings that never existed.

He also reported massive business losses tied to a gold mining company in Ghana called Kremkov Industries.

The IRS processed the filings and issued a U.S. Treasury check for nearly $3.4 million. That money hit his account quickly, and it gave him confidence to push further. Investigators say he saw the refund as proof the system could be gamed with the right paperwork.

Days later, Torjagbo submitted a PPP loan application asking for $9.5 million. He claimed Kremkov Industries was operating before the pandemic shutdowns and employed nearly 500 workers in the United States. He also certified an average monthly payroll close to $4 million, a number pulled straight from thin air.

Hollywood Names on the Payroll

The paperwork supporting the PPP loan raised eyebrows once it was reviewed closely. Prosecutors say Torjagbo submitted fake tax forms and payroll records that listed celebrities and fictional characters as company employees. The names were famous, strange, and impossible to ignore.

Among the listed workers were Keanu Reeves, Gene Hackman, and Charlie Brown. Other names included Nancy Drew, Jon Snow, and Emilia Clarke. None of them worked for a gold mining company in Ghana, and none of them were paid by Torjagbo.

Despite the absurdity of the payroll list, a bank approved the loan. More than $9.55 million in PPP funds were transferred to Torjagbo based on the false claims. The money was meant to save real jobs during a national crisis, not bankroll a fantasy business.

Where the Money Really Went

Eka / Pexels / Federal investigators say Torjagbo did not use the funds to pay employees or keep the company afloat. Instead, the money fueled a personal spending spree.

Court records show the funds were used to pay off debts, cover daily expenses, and support a luxury lifestyle.

One of the biggest purchases was a Marietta mansion priced at about $1.7 million. He also bought high-end vehicles, including a Lamborghini, a BMW M850xi, and a Range Rover Velar. The combined cost of the cars topped half a million dollars, all paid for with fraud proceeds.

The case went to trial in federal court in Atlanta. Prosecutors laid out the timeline, the fake filings, and the celebrity-filled payroll records. Jurors heard how the tax fraud and PPP fraud worked together to move money fast before questions were asked.

In July 2025, the jury found Torjagbo guilty on multiple counts. The verdict included one count of bank fraud, two counts of wire fraud, and seven counts of money laundering. The convictions reflected the scope and coordination of the scheme.

A U.S. district judge later sentenced Torjagbo to 14 years and 7 months in federal prison. That sentence amounts to nearly 15 years behind bars, followed by five years of supervised release. The judge also ordered significant financial penalties.

The sentence included restitution and forfeiture orders aimed at clawing back stolen funds. Torjagbo was ordered to pay at least $3.3 million in restitution. The court also approved a personal money judgment totaling more than $4.6 million.

More than $1.75 million was seized directly from his bank accounts. The Marietta mansion was forfeited, along with the luxury vehicles purchased during the scheme. Land bought in north Georgia was also taken as part of the judgment.

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