Mohamed Coulibaly, a 24-year-old man accused of orchestrating an alleged investment scam targeting NFL players, has been found dead in a swimming pool at a home in Harrison Township, New Jersey. Authorities discovered his body after responding to a welfare check requested by concerned family members, according to U.S. media reports.
Investigation Underway
Officials have not disclosed the cause of death, and an investigation is ongoing. The Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office is leading the inquiry, but no further details have been released. Authorities have not indicated whether his death is linked to the ongoing investigation into the alleged investment scheme.
Alleged Fraud Scheme
Coulibaly had recently come under scrutiny over allegations that he operated a fraudulent e-commerce investment scheme. Professional athletes were allegedly persuaded to invest in what appeared to be profitable online stores. According to reports, investors were shown fabricated sales records and promised returns from successful e-commerce businesses that investigators now believe were not genuine.
Victim's Claim
Among those who claimed to have been affected is former NFL linebacker Tae Crowder. Crowder alleged that he invested his entire savings of $500,000 after being introduced to Coulibaly through a mutual acquaintance. Crowder said he never received the promised returns on his investment.
Coulibaly's Denial
Coulibaly denied the allegations before his death, maintaining that investors had not yet been paid because he was awaiting funds from what he described as a planned acquisition involving his business venture. At the time of his death, no court had found Coulibaly guilty of any criminal offence in connection with the allegations.
Impact and Ongoing Probe
The case has raised concerns about the vulnerability of professional athletes to financial scams. Authorities continue to investigate the alleged scheme, and no charges have been filed against Coulibaly posthumously. The investigation into both the fraud allegations and his death remains active.
