Tech entrepreneur with Hollywood connections wanted by FBI after $35 million fraud. Who is fugitive former CEO Bernhard Fritsch?
He was once a tech entrepreneur with connections in Hollywood, a mansion in Malibu, and a startup that promised to help celebrities and influencers make money from their online fame. Now, German businessman Bernhard Eugen Fritsch is a fugitive wanted by the FBI, which has offered a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to his arrest and conviction.The 65-year-old former CEO was recently added to the FBI’s newly created list of most wanted scammers after fleeing the US following his conviction for wire fraud. The FBI believes Fritsch now lives in or around Munich, Germany.
Fritsch’s alleged fraud centered on StarClub Inc, a technology company he founded in California. The company developed software and an app called StarSite that supposedly allowed celebrities and social media influencers to monetize their brand endorsements.Between January 2014 and August 2017, Fritsch raised approximately $35 million from investors, according to the FBI. Prosecutors alleged that he misrepresented StarClub’s business prospects, including claiming that the company had or was seeking deals with major global media and entertainment companies.Fritsch’s speech was aided by his proximity to the entertainment industry. Over the years, he was photographed with celebrities such as Michael Jackson, Boris Becker and Wesley Snipes. Actor Tyrese Gibson also hosted a StarClub event in 2014, while singer Enrique Iglesias was linked to the venture.But federal prosecutors alleged that money raised from investors was not used as represented. At least $7.3 million was allegedly diverted for Fritsch’s personal expenses, including mortgage payments, residential expenses and luxury vehicles. Reports said the money helped finance expensive cars, a yacht and his property in Malibu.In April 2025, after a nine-day trial, a California jury found Fritsch guilty of wire fraud. He faced a possible lengthy prison sentence.Instead of appearing for a post-conviction bail revocation hearing, Fritsch fled.
Where is Fritsch now?
According to the FBI, Fritsch cut off his court-ordered ankle monitor in June 2025 and escaped to Los Mochis in Sinaloa, Mexico. A federal arrest warrant was issued after he failed to appear for the hearing.Mexican authorities detained him in September 2025 and found him carrying a fake ID, according to the FBI. He was later released from immigration custody and ordered to report to Mexican authorities every two weeks. But Fritsch allegedly fled again.On October 6, 2025, he traveled to Munich, Germany. Two weeks later, a US federal judge sentenced him in absentia to 15 years in prison, fined him $35,000 and ordered him to pay $26.8 million in restitution.Germany’s constitutional protections for its citizens create another obstacle for American authorities. Fritsch is a German citizen and the FBI believes he remains in Bavaria.His case has now become one of the first high-profile investigations under the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters initiative, created to target top white-collar fugitives.The FBI says anyone with information about Fritsch’s whereabouts is asked to contact the bureau. A reward of up to $150,000 is being offered.Despite being a wanted fugitive, Fritsch has continued to maintain a visible digital footprint. Reports say he posted photos from Germany on Instagram, including images from a hike near Lake Starnberg.
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