• A New Zealand couple falsely claimed personal ties to Michael Jordan to attract $4 million from 61 investors.
• They operated a fraudulent investment scheme, using new funds to pay earlier investors and support their lifestyle.
• Both pleaded guilty to deception charges and now face sentencing after their scam unraveled.

In a stunning tale of deception, a New Zealand couple exploited a fabricated friendship with NBA legend Michael Jordan to build a sprawling $4 million Ponzi scheme. They tricked dozens of investors into parting with their savings. Thomas ‘Alex’ Tuira and his wife, Aroha, spun an elaborate web of lies over seven years. They convinced 61 people to back projects they claimed had the support of Jordan, Tony Robbins, and other well-known figures. The reality? Not a single dollar reached any genuine investment.

This audacious scam unfolded quietly in Christchurch from 2014 to 2021. The Tuiras held sway over their circle of victims with promises of extraordinary returns tied to flashy ventures. These included luxury housing developments and a sports stadium allegedly commissioned by Michael Jordan himself. The couple’s carefully crafted story was not only believable but irresistibly alluring, thanks largely to their purported celebrity connections. However, when the truth came out, it became clear the entire operation was a house of cards built on nothing but deceit.

The Illusion of Friendship with a Sports Icon

Central to their pitch was the claim that Alex Tuira was personally connected to Michael Jordan. He portrayed himself as someone rubbing shoulders with the basketball superstar. He used that connection to secure investment deals and project legitimacy. Alex’s presentations were filled with images and stories meant to bolster this illusion. Alongside Jordan, he claimed mentorship from motivational guru Tony Robbins and financial author Robert Kiyosaki.

However, investigations revealed these were little more than opportunistic fabrications. Photos Alex showed were taken at large public events, not private meetings or personal friendships. Even the supposed backing of billionaires like Indian tycoon Sanjiv Saddy turned out to be a mirage. While Tuira had met Saddy briefly, there was never any financial support.

Exploiting Trust with Glamour and Pressure

The Tuiras’ approach was textbook Ponzi scheme: they promised high, fast returns to investors. They presented “exclusive” deals that came with urgent deadlines. Alex sent texts offering “50 percent returns in 16 months” and “the best investment deal on the table” with limited windows to act. This created pressure to invest quickly before due diligence could unravel their lies.

Aroha Tuira helped close the deal. She became the warm face of the operation, nurturing relationships with investors to generate trust and a sense of family — or wh?nau, as it’s known in their M?ori community. Their home in Christchurch became the stage where these false narratives played out. They welcomed investors as friends while siphoning off their money.

The Reality Behind the Glamour

Instead of funneling money into real ventures, the Tuiras used investor funds to pay off earlier investors, maintain an extravagant lifestyle, and cover personal expenses. The Serious Fraud Office found that by 2017, the business was already insolvent. There was a growing gap between incoming investments and money paid out. Nearly \$500,000 went on personal spending and over \$500,000 on travel, while rent costs consumed \$270,000.

When investors tried to withdraw funds, the couple made excuses—blaming illnesses, legal complications, or slow fund clearance. Despite warnings from their accountant that their returns were likely funded by new investors—classic Ponzi behavior—the Tuiras denied any wrongdoing. They insisted their operations were legitimate.

The Collapse and Legal Fallout

By 2021, the pressure became impossible to sustain. Withdrawal requests surged, exposing the deep financial hole the couple had dug. A spreadsheet uncovered by authorities showed debts exceeding \$7.9 million—far beyond what they could repay.

The Serious Fraud Office launched an investigation following complaints from investors. These included high-profile community members like former Ng?i Tahu chairperson Sir Mark Solomon. Emails from Alex Tuira during this time continued to deflect blame. He called criticism “unjustified” and even threatened legal action against detractors.

In 2023, the couple finally faced justice. Both pleaded guilty to charges of obtaining money by deception. They admitted their scheme yielded no real profits but instead caused widespread financial harm. Sentencing is scheduled for later this year.

A Warning for Investors Worldwide

This case stands as a stark warning about the power of false celebrity associations to lure victims into fraudulent schemes. By pretending to be close to Michael Jordan, the Tuiras gave their scam a veneer of credibility few could resist. Their story highlights how even savvy investors can fall prey to promises backed by seemingly trustworthy names and slick presentations.

Beyond the numbers, the emotional toll on victims—many from tight-knit cultural communities who trusted the couple as family—is profound. This saga reminds us all to remain cautious, especially when quick gains are promised alongside big-name endorsements that may never exist.

In the end, the Tuiras’ fake friendship with Michael Jordan was not just a lie—it was the cornerstone of a betrayal. It cost dozens of people millions and shattered lives.