Marked as
Last updated - February 6, 2026
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Martin Pool, a convicted fraudster from Atlanta, Georgia, masterminded a brazen Ponzi scheme alongside Armand R. Franquelin through their company, The Elva Group, LLC. From 2006 to 2010, they deceitfully solicited over $12 million from approximately 130 investors, falsely promising secure real estate investments with guaranteed annual returns as high as 240%. Instead of funding legitimate developments
CEO
High Risk
Based on the available data, we advise consumers to avoid this Individual 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.
Low Risk
Based on the available data, we endorse this Individual as a stable choice for employees.
This recommendation stems from a low-risk score compiled from OSINT, Adverse Media, Reviews, and Risk Factors uncovered in our analysis.
Employment with this entity is expected to involve minimal risk.
Based on the available data, we urge investors and bankers to avoid financial involvement with this Individual.
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
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Securities fraud and money laundering for running a Ponzi scheme.
Raised over $12 million from ~130 investors for supposed real estate projects, but funds went to personal expenses, overhead, and fake returns to earlier victims.
Guaranteed annual returns up to 240%—unrealistic and fraudulent.
Victims were urged to roll IRAs into self-directed accounts controlled by his shell company, Destiny Funding, LLC.
78 months in federal prison, ~$9 million in victim restitution, plus SEC disgorgement and interest (partially waived for inability to pay).
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
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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
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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.
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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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promising returns as high as 240% should’ve been the first red flag, but still people trusted Martin Pool and got burned badly. Over $12 million taken from around 130 investors with fake real estate promises that’s not just fraud, that’s straight exploitation. It’s crazy how long something like that ran before collapsing.
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