Michigan AG Alleges Two Michigan Brothers Created Fake LLCs To Extort Detroit Area Businesses
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel alleges two Michigan brothers created fake LLCs. She also alleges they created the 17 fake LLCs to extort money from suburban Detroit companies.
The lawsuit states 17 fake LLCs were created by Eric Vander Ley and Daniel Vander Ley. The LLCs copied the names of popular suburban Detroit businesses. The brothers then used the fake LLCs to harass the real owners for money.
Nessel filed the lawsuit in Wayne County Circuit Court in Detroit. The lawsuit names the Vander Leys along with the 17 limited liability companies they created created. Among the affected businesses are Como’s Restaurant, and Urbanrest Brewing Co. In addition, Bags and Beads, Tin Can Cocktails and Beau’s Grillery have found themselves as victims in the scam.
Nessel claims Eric Vander Ley exploited lapses in business registrations with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to set up the copycat companies.
Afterwards, Vander Ley contacted the original business owners. He accused them of copyright violations or other legal claims. He then demanded money from them to prevent litigation.
Eric Vander Ley allegedly accused the owner of Downtown Ferndale Bike Shop of copyright infringement and business interference. He then demanded $500 per hour for discussions related to a fabricated settlement. When the owner refused to pay, Eric Vander Ley further escalated his harassment of the owner.”
The complaint describing the brothers making threats and monetary demands Urbanrest Brewinng Company. This the Vander Ley brothers began harassing the business’s employees and customers.
Nessel told the Detroit Free Press:
Nessel is asking the court to dissolve the 17 named LLCs. The attorney general’s office did not say whether it is considering criminal charges.
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