August 23, 2024 (Fort Worth, TX)— Fort Capital LP, a Texas-based real estate investment firm, has reported an apparent scheme to extort money from the company, prompting a federal investigation. The firm, known for its substantial real estate transactions in Texas, Florida, and Tennessee, disclosed the situation in a statement released today.
“Nothing is more important to Fort Capital than our reputation and the stewardship of funds entrusted to our firm by investors,” said Chris Powers, founder and CEO of Fort Capital. “We are grateful that the U.S. Attorney and the FBI have opened a criminal investigation into what we believe is an extortion scheme based on false claims about our company, and threats against our reputation and personnel.”
Fort Capital, a privately owned real estate investment firm based in Fort Worth, TX, has completed $2.1 billion in total asset transactions, primarily involving light-industrial buildings. The firm’s investors include private equity firms, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals, including close associates of the company.
The extortion attempt came to light in June when Fort Capital became aware of false claims made by an individual using the alias "LPWhisperer" on the social media platform X. The person behind the alias, later identified as Jakub Kostecki, a self-described crypto expert living in Colorado, claimed to possess confidential information about Fort Capital and its investments. Kostecki, originally from Poland, is wanted there on a criminal conviction and was previously found liable in a 2020 U.S. civil court ruling for defrauding victims in a cryptocurrency marketing scheme.
Upon confrontation by Fort Capital, Kostecki escalated his actions, posting additional false statements about the company and threatening to publicize these claims through specific media outlets. He also attempted to solicit a lump-sum cryptocurrency payment to cease his actions. Fort Capital has since learned that Kostecki is reportedly engaged in similar campaigns against other companies in the industry.
Fort Capital has provided all relevant evidence to the FBI and is fully cooperating with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation. The company reassured its investors that no funds were put at risk by the scheme and emphasized its commitment to protecting its reputation and the investments entrusted to it.