Carlos Watson Sentenced to Nearly 10 Years for Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Scheme

The Ozy Media founder was convicted of orchestrating a years-long scheme to deceive investors with falsified financial data and impersonations.

Carlos Watson, former CEO of Ozy Media, received a 116-month prison sentence for securities fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
Prosecutors accused Watson of defrauding investors out of over $60 million by falsifying financial data, fabricating contracts, and inflating audience metrics.
The scheme included Watson's co-founder impersonating a YouTube executive to secure a $40 million investment, with Watson allegedly coaching him during the call.
Watson denied the charges, claiming he was unaware of his deputies' actions and alleging racial bias in his prosecution, but the court rejected these defenses.
The sentencing follows Ozy Media's collapse in 2021 after reports exposed its fraudulent practices, including misleading investors and inflating its business success.