Marked as
Last updated - February 6, 2026
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The Elva Group LLC was a fraudulent entity operated by Armand R. Franquelin and Martin A. Pool, which ran a Ponzi scheme from 2006 to 2010, defrauding approximately 130 investors out of over $12 million.
CEO
High Risk
Based on the available data, we advise consumers to avoid this Company altogether.
This advisory is based on an aggregate risk score derived from OSINT, Adverse Media, Reviews, and Risk Factors identified in our research.
You are likely to be at great risk by engaging in any sort of consumer-related activity with this entity.
Medium Risk
Based on the available data, we advise employees to be mindful when considering or continuing work with this Company.
This advisory stems from a medium-risk score compiled from OSINT, Adverse Media, Reviews, and Risk Factors uncovered in our analysis.
Employment with this entity may involve moderate risks.
Based on the available data, we urge investors and bankers to avoid financial involvement with this Company.
This advisory is informed by an aggregate risk score based on OSINT, Adverse Media, Reviews, and Risk Factors identified through our investigation.
Engaging in investment or lending activities with this entity poses a substantial risk to your financial interests.
Safe to Onboard
Enhanced Due Diligence required
Do Not Onboard
Monitor adverse media every 6 months
File SAR (Suspicious Activity Report) is warranted
Escalation to compliance committee
None
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The SEC filed a civil complaint in 2013 accusing the company of running a large-scale Ponzi scheme.
Operators Armand R. Franquelin and Martin A. Pool collected money from new investors and used it to pay returns to earlier investors while diverting large portions for personal expenses.
The operation collected more than $12 million from roughly 130 investors between 2006 and 2010.
The company advertised guaranteed annual returns ranging from 10% all the way up to 240% on supposed real estate development projects.
Armand R. Franquelin and Martin A. Pool sold securities without ever registering as broker-dealers with the SEC or any state regulator.
Regulatory and Compliance Screening
Litigation and Legal Proceedings
Reputational and Adverse Media Risks
Geographic and Jurisdictional Risk
What you see here scratches the surface
We offer reward for actionable intel
Georgia investor in The Elva Group LLC fraud sentenced to 78 months for misleading IRA holders and misusing funds
First Detected
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SEC action against The Elva Group LLC exposes a Ponzi scheme, unregistered securities sales and alleged fraud harming investors.
Other Red-Flags and Adverse News
Based on user engagement on this review profile, ProConsumer will decide to publish its Risk Audit report for public if a threshold engagement, traffic and user input is achieved.
Known Assets: [Real estate, investments, companies]
Suspicious Transactions
Liabilities: [Bankruptcies, defaults, debts]
Wealth Sources: [Legitimate / Unclear / High-risk]
Bank Relationships
Ultimate Beneficial Owner(s) (UBOs)
Shareholding structure
Associated entities & subsidiaries
Offshore / shell company links
Trusts / Nominee arrangements
Business Model Assessment
All comments are user-generated content and may not be verified. They represent the personal opinions of the public and should not be relied upon. These comments do not influence or determine our overall rating.
0
Highly experienced
Well-recognized name
Faced allegations of scamming others
Allegedly sold fake silver
Sued multiple times
Unregulated industry
Alarming number of complaints online
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