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Kalder Founder Gökçe Güven Indicted in New York Over Alleged $7 Million Investor Fraud and Visa Scheme

The case is in its early phase with an indictment that sets a federal prosecution in motion.

Overview

  • Prosecutors say Güven raised roughly $7 million from more than a dozen investors by overstating Kalder’s traction and finances.
  • Charging documents allege she kept two sets of books, showing accurate figures internally while providing inflated numbers to investors.
  • The indictment cites exaggerated claims such as 26 active brand partners and 53 trials, which prosecutors say were far lower in reality.
  • Authorities accuse her of visa fraud for allegedly submitting digitally created reference letters to obtain an O-1A visa reserved for extraordinary ability.
  • Güven faces counts of securities fraud, wire fraud, visa fraud, and aggravated identity theft; she was arrested on November 27, 2025, and has not been convicted.