A businessman promised investors to build a $3B sports complex near DTW. Feds say it was a scam

July 16, 2026 - 19:01

A West Bloomfield man is facing a federal charge for his alleged role in a scheme to get millions of dollars in investment funds for a proposed sports complex in Romulus. According to court documents, the man promised investors that he would build a massive $3 billion sports and entertainment complex near Detroit Metropolitan Airport. Federal authorities now say the entire project was a fraud.

The suspect reportedly used the promise of a world-class facility to lure in investors, claiming the complex would include stadiums, hotels, and retail space. He allegedly collected millions from people who believed they were funding a legitimate development. Instead, prosecutors say the money was used for personal expenses and to pay back earlier investors in a classic Ponzi-like structure.

The scheme unraveled when investors began asking for returns and details on the project's progress. The Federal Bureau of Investigation stepped in, leading to the charge. The man now faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. The case highlights the risks of large-scale real estate investments that lack verifiable backing or transparent financial records.