A Swedish national, Olaf Kyros Gustafsson, has been extradited from Spain to the United States, where he faces a 115-count federal indictment. Gustafsson, also known as "El Silencio," is accused of defrauding investors through the marketing and sale of non-existent products using the likeness and legacy of the late Colombian narcoterrorist Pablo Escobar. The charges against him include conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, wire and mail fraud, money laundering, international money laundering, and engaging in monetary transactions with illegal proceeds.
Gustafsson, 31, arrived in Los Angeles and was arraigned in the United States District Court. He pleaded not guilty, and a trial is set to begin on May 20. He remains in federal custody, with a detention hearing scheduled for April 3.
According to the indictment, Gustafsson was the CEO of Escobar Inc., a company registered in Puerto Rico that held the rights to Pablo Escobar's persona. From July 2019 to November 2023, Gustafsson allegedly marketed and sold products, including flamethrowers and cellphones, using Escobar's name. Despite receiving payments, the products were never delivered because they did not exist.
To further the alleged scheme, Gustafsson sent samples to technology reviewers and social media influencers, such as disguising Samsung Galaxy Fold Phones as Escobar Inc. products. Customers who attempted to obtain refunds when products were not delivered were sent promotional materials as proof of mailing to deny their requests.
The indictment claims that Gustafsson also used bank accounts in the United States, Sweden, and the United Arab Emirates to conceal proceeds from his alleged criminal activities. The investigation is being conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation, the FBI, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation-Office of Inspector General, with support from the Department of Justice and other international agencies.
Assistant United States Attorney Joshua O. Mausner is prosecuting the case. The indictment remains an allegation, and Gustafsson is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.