Forbes entrepreneur Gökçe Güven arrested in US for fraud

BY AHMET TAŞ | WISE NEWS PRESS

NEW YORK, USA —  Federal authorities in New York arrested Turkish entrepreneur Gökçe Güven on Friday for allegedly defrauding investors of $7 million through misrepresentations about her startup and falsifying documents for a specialized talent visa.

The arrest of the Forbes "30 Under 30" honoree highlights an intensifying crackdown by U.S. federal prosecutors on startup fraud and immigration abuse. Güven, the founder and CEO of the startup Kalder, is accused of systemic deception targeting both private investors and federal immigration agencies to sustain her business and personal status in the United States.

Federal charges and securities fraud

According to an indictment unsealed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, Gökçe Güven faces multiple felony counts, including securities fraud, wire fraud, visa fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Prosecutors allege that Güven orchestrated a scheme to solicit nearly $7 million from investors by providing fraudulent data regarding Kalder’s financial health and market traction.

The investigation revealed that Güven reportedly exaggerated the company’s revenue and misrepresented its relationship with high-profile corporate partners. "The defendant allegedly built a house of cards based on fictitious brand deals and inflated bank statements to lure millions in investment capital," the prosecution stated in a press release.

Falsification of "Extraordinary Ability" visa

Beyond financial misconduct, federal agents uncovered evidence that Güven allegedly defrauded the U.S. government to secure her legal residency. The indictment asserts that she submitted forged reference letters and fabricated professional achievements to obtain an O-1A "Extraordinary Ability" visa, which is reserved for individuals at the top of their professional fields.

Investigators believe the same misleading financial documents used to court investors were repurposed for her immigration applications to create the illusion of a highly successful, world-class entrepreneurial career.

Prosecutorial stance on startup integrity

The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York emphasized that while innovation is encouraged, the law will not tolerate "fraud masquerading as entrepreneurship." Federal authorities noted that the aggravated identity theft charges stem from the unauthorized use of names and signatures belonging to real individuals on forged partnership agreements and visa recommendation letters.

If convicted on all counts, Güven could face several decades in federal prison. Legal representatives for Güven have not yet released a formal statement regarding the allegations, and a preliminary hearing is expected to be scheduled in Manhattan federal court later this week.

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