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Man Pleads Guilty in $48 Million National Book Publishing Scam
Federal Court Case in San Diego
A 34-year-old man has pleaded guilty in a federal court in San Diego for his involvement in a large-scale book publishing fraud scheme valued at approximately $48 million. The case involves a network accused of targeting authors across the United States.
Alleged Scheme Targeted Aspiring Authors
According to the U.S. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Michael Cris Traya Sordilla is one of four individuals charged in the case.Prosecutors say the group misled authors, many of them seniors, by offering fake publishing and film opportunities in exchange for large upfront payments.
Fake Companies Used to Deceive Victims
Court documents reveal that Sordilla founded a company called Innocentrix Philippines, presented as a legitimate outsourcing business. Between 2017 and 2024, the group allegedly created multiple fake U.S.-based companies, including PageTurner Press and Media LLC, Metro Films LLC, and WP Lighthouse LLC, to appear as credible publishers and production firms.
Call Center Operation Behind the Fraud
Authorities stated that Innocentrix Philippines operated a call center that contacted victims in the United States. Scammers posed as literary agents and convinced authors that their work had been selected for publishing or film production. It requesting payments to move forward with the deals.
Impersonation of Industry Professionals
Prosecutors also allege that the group impersonated professionals from well-known publishing houses, film studios, and gaming companies. These false claims were used to build trust and pressure victims into paying fees for non-existent services.
Money Laundering and Financial Transfers
Investigators found that funds collected from victims were routed through U.S. bank accounts linked to fake companies. The money was then transferred to individuals in the Philippines. Furthermore, authorities estimate that more than $42 million was laundered from over 800 victims. Investigators also said Sordilla personally received more than $2.7 million.
Statement from U.S. Authorities
U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon stated that the defendants not only caused financial losses but also damaged the trust and dreams of aspiring writers. He emphasized that legitimate publishers and filmmakers do not require upfront payments from authors.
Forfeiture and Restitution Orders
As part of his guilty plea, Sordilla agreed to forfeit more than $2.7 million in assets. He is also required to pay restitution totaling over $48 million to compensate victims of the scheme.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Three other defendants involved in the case are still awaiting trial. Sentencing for Sordilla has been scheduled for July 24.
