Between 2012 and 2017, Ronald Van Den Heuvel solicited investor funds for his recycling company Green Box. Specifically, Van Den Heuvel promised that he would use funds for the “Green-Box Process” — an eco-friendly recycling process, and that the money would go towards equipment and facility purchases as well as the development of a ‘green’ solution for post-consumer waste.

Ultimately, 10 investors decided to invest with Green Box, several of whom also used Green Box as their investment necessary to qualify for an EB-5 visa.

Unfortunately, Van Den Heuvel used over half of the $7.6 million raised for unauthorized personal and unrelated business expenses. His expenditures included a Cadillac Escalade, Green Bay Packers tickets, overdue state taxes, payments to his ex-wife and mother-in-law, and a prior outstanding judgment.

Van Den Heuvel was sentenced to three years in prison for conspiracy to commit bank fraud. He also faces 14 counts of wire fraud and money laundering.