In June 2020, popular tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee, known as MKBHD, experienced an unexpected visit from the FBI and IRS at his new studio space. This visit, linked to his investigative work on the fraudulent Escobar phone, has finally come to light after years of secrecy.
Marques, who had been working alone with his colleague Andrew due to COVID-19 precautions, was greeted early one morning by Bob, the building’s front desk security guard. Bob, adhering to a strict rule set by Marques, informed him that there were people with badges at the front desk wanting to see him. Initially confused and apprehensive, Marques decided to confront the situation head-on.
At the front desk, three federal agents introduced themselves, flashing their FBI badges. They were there to discuss Marques’ video on the Escobar Fold, a $400 gold-plated folding phone that Marques had exposed as a scam. The company behind the phone was repackaging cheap Samsung Galaxy Folds with gold stickers and shipping them to influencers for positive reviews while neglecting the orders of regular consumers.
The agents were investigating the fraudulent activities and needed all the communications Marques had with the company, as well as the physical evidence from his video. Marques obliged, handing over the half-peeled Escobar Fold and a scratched gold iPhone, which the agents bagged as evidence.
Before leaving, the agents requested that Marques not discuss the visit publicly until the investigation was complete. For years, Marques honored this request, dropping only subtle hints to his audience. In the meantime, the scam unraveled, and financial services like PayPal and Klarna cut ties with the fraudulent company. Eventually, the operation’s leader, Olaf Gustafsson, was arrested in Spain for fraud and money laundering.
Recently, Marques received the all-clear from the FBI to share his story. Reflecting on the surreal experience, he acknowledged the power of digital content to effect real-world change. Marques teased that this wasn’t his only encounter with federal agents, hinting at more stories to come.
This incident underscores the impact of investigative journalism in the digital age, illustrating how one YouTuber’s commitment to uncovering the truth can contribute to significant legal outcomes. The story of MKBHD and the FBI serves as a reminder of the vigilance required to navigate the tech world and the surprises it may hold.
