By: Richard L. Smith
Authorities are investigating the death of a 24-year-old man who had recently been identified as the alleged organizer of a multimillion-dollar investment scheme targeting former NFL players and other professional athletes.
According to information first reported by WPVI ABC, Mohamed Coulibaly was found dead Friday in the swimming pool of a Harrison Township (Gloucester County) residence after police responded to conduct a welfare check requested by concerned family members.
The discovery comes just weeks after an investigative report alleged that Coulibaly orchestrated a fraudulent investment operation involving fake e-commerce businesses.
The scheme allegedly convinced professional athletes and other investors to purchase ownership stakes in online stores that appeared to be highly profitable.
According to the report, investigators determined that sales records presented to investors had allegedly been manipulated, creating the appearance of thriving businesses when, in reality, the transactions had reportedly been entered manually to mislead potential investors.
Three former NFL players told investigators they collectively lost more than $1 million through investments connected to the alleged scheme.
Former New York Giants linebacker Tae Crowder told WPVI ABC that he was introduced to Coulibaly through a mutual acquaintance and initially believed the investment opportunities were legitimate because of the people associated with him.
Crowder said he ultimately invested approximately $500,000 into one of the online businesses before realizing something was wrong after repeated delays and excuses regarding promised payments.
Authorities have not released a cause of death, and the investigation into Coulibaly’s death remains ongoing.
Credit: This story is based on reporting by WPVI ABC, which first reported the investigation and related details.