Federal regulators obtained a preliminary injunction and continued asset freeze in the case against two New York-based men involved in an alleged $97 million ticket resale Ponzi scheme.
The Securities and Exchange Commission secured the preliminary injunction against Joseph Meli, Matthew Harriton and four ticket reselling businesses they run. According to a recently filed amended complaint, prosecutors allege the duo deceived investors numbering over 100 and stretching across 17 states, telling them their money would be pooled to buy tickets in bulk to be sold at a markup. Funds were allegedly solicited to buy tickets to the musical “Hamilton”; a concert festival featuring The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney and other artists; and other performances.
