I2G Ponzi Appeal Denied for Richard Maike and Doyce Barnes
On July 1, 2025, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the appeals of Richard Maike and Doyce Barnes, affirming their convictions for orchestrating the Infinity2Global (I2G) Ponzi scheme. The 14-page ruling detailed overwhelming evidence of their fraudulent operation, which defrauded 96% of participants out of $34 million, primarily through distributor payments. This decision follows the latest development in the Faraday Hosseinipour I2G Retrial, which was remanded for reconsideration, further highlighting the court’s continued scrutiny of the I2G leadership.
Deceptive Practices Exposed
Maike, I2G’s owner, and Barnes, Vice President of Sales, misled investors with false claims of casino profits and a $100 million offer for I2G’s Touch software. Barnes’ revenue projections relied entirely on distributor funds, with no external income. Monthly payouts to “Emperor” investors dropped to ~$17, proving the promised returns were unsustainable. The jury found their “Emperor Packages” constituted securities, supporting convictions for conspiracy to commit mail and securities fraud.
Sentences and Restitution
Maike was sentenced to 10 years in December 2022, while Barnes received 4 years. In June 2023, they were ordered to pay $10.4 million in restitution, including $5.2 million from Maike (plus $1.29 million to the IRS) and $3.92 million from Barnes. The scheme, launched in 2013, enriched the defendants while most participants lost money.
Final Verdict
The Sixth Circuit’s ruling solidifies the DOJ’s case, backed by over 30 witnesses, confirming Maike and Barnes knowingly ran a pyramid scheme. Their convictions stand, closing a chapter on I2G’s $25 million fraud, though related civil cases and a retrial motion for co-defendant Faraday Hosseinipour remain pending.