FBI Visit to the Studio - June 2020

Background

• Setting: Office building with multiple tenants, front desk, and security.
• Rule: If someone asks for Marques at the front desk, he has to meet them outside and bring them in himself.
• Time Period: Early COVID-19 pandemic, primarily Marques and Andrew at the studio.

The Incident

• Marques arrived early one summer morning.
• Knock at the door; it's Bob, the front desk security.
• Bob informs Marques that there are people with badges (FBI) to see him, but he didn't let them in.
• Marques initially confused and concerned, contemplates whether to meet them.
• Decides to meet them and finds three people with badges (FBI, IRS) at the front desk.
• They flash their badges and mention they have questions about the Escobar phone.

The Escobar Phone

• Background: Marques had made a video uncovering a scam involving the Escobar Fold.
  • A company was selling a $400 gold folding phone, claiming it would destroy Apple and Samsung.
  • In reality, they were covering Samsung Galaxy Folds with gold stickers and sending them to YouTubers while scamming regular people.
• FBI and IRS wanted all communication and information related to the company and video.

Interaction with the FBI

• Marques brought FBI/IRS agents back to the studio to discuss everything.
• They took physical evidence, including the half-peeled Escobar Fold and a scratched gold iPhone from his videos.
• Evidence put in sealed plastic bags marked as evidence.
• FBI asked Marques not to talk about the incident publicly until further notice.
• Marques adhered to this, despite hinting at it over the years.

Outcome for the Scammers

• Scammer operation fell apart quickly after Marques' video.
• Key figure, Olaf Gustafsson, eventually arrested and imprisoned in Spain for fraud, money laundering.

Follow-up

• Marques recently got clearance from the FBI to talk about the incident publicly.
• Possible chance of Marques' videos appearing in U.S. court documents if Olaf is charged in the U.S.
• Strong interest from Marques in continuing investigative content.
• Mention of other encounters with FBI through the YouTube channel.

Additional Media

• Encouragement to check the Waveform podcast for more stories and behind-the-scenes content.

Closing Thoughts

• Importance of staying vigilant and aware of scams in the tech industry.
• Marques expresses gratitude to Bob for sticking to the rule despite FBI pressure.