For years, BINT, short for Blessings in No Time, spread rapidly through churches, social media, family circles, and community groups, promising participants an opportunity to turn a relatively small investment into life-changing money. Instead, it became one of the largest pyramid schemes in recent U.S. history, leaving thousands of victims with devastating financial losses.

Unlike traditional investment scams that promise high returns from stocks or cryptocurrency, BINT relied almost entirely on recruiting new members. Participants were told that by contributing $1,400 to join a “blessing circle,” they would eventually receive $11,200 after moving through different levels of the program. The money, however, did not come from investments or business profits. It came solely from the payments of new recruits.

How the Scheme Worked

The BINT system was organized into four levels:

• Earth – New members entered by paying $1,400.
• Wind
• Fire
• Water – Members reaching the center were promised an $11,200 payout.

Once someone at the center collected the money, the circle supposedly split into two new circles, requiring even more people to join. The process repeated endlessly.

The fatal flaw was simple mathematics. Every person who received a payout required eight new participants beneath them. Those eight required sixty-four more. Then 512. Very quickly, the number of new recruits needed became impossible to sustain.

As with every pyramid scheme, the vast majority of participants inevitably lost their money.

The People Behind BINT

Federal investigators identified LaShonda Moore and her husband, Marlon Moore, also known as DJ ASAP Dre, as the leaders of the nationwide operation.

According to prosecutors, the couple aggressively promoted BINT across the United States, presenting it as a community-driven wealth-building opportunity rather than an illegal investment scheme. Promotional events, online meetings, and social media campaigns encouraged members to recruit friends and relatives, creating an atmosphere where skepticism was discouraged and urgency was emphasized.

Authorities estimated that the operation collected between $25 million and $30 million from approximately 8,000 to 10,000 participants.

Why It Was So Convincing

Many victims did not view BINT as a scam.

Instead, they believed they were participating in a financial empowerment movement built on trust and mutual support. Recruiters often targeted people they already knew—family members, church friends, coworkers, and neighbors.

The scheme’s success depended on social pressure.

Participants who had already invested their money had a powerful incentive to recruit others in hopes of recovering their own investment. This created a cycle where victims unknowingly became promoters.

Federal Investigation

As complaints increased, federal investigators began tracing the movement of funds through bank records, payment apps, and electronic communications.

Prosecutors concluded that BINT was not a legitimate investment program but a classic pyramid scheme that relied entirely on constant recruitment.

Participants near the top collected substantial payouts, while those entering later had little chance of recovering their money once recruitment slowed.

Sentencing

In June 2026, a federal judge in Texas sentenced LaShonda Moore and Marlon Moore to 40 years in federal prison after they were convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, multiple counts of wire fraud, and money laundering.

The sentences reflected both the scale of the fraud and the enormous financial harm inflicted on thousands of victims.

Warning Signs of a Pyramid Scheme

Consumers should be cautious of any opportunity that:

• Requires an upfront payment to participate.
• Pays members primarily for recruiting others.
• Promises guaranteed or unusually high returns.
• Has no legitimate product or service generating revenue.
• Encourages participants to recruit family and friends.
• Claims it is “not a pyramid scheme” while relying on endless recruitment.

Lessons from BINT

The BINT case demonstrates that financial fraud continues to evolve, often hiding behind messages of community, empowerment, or mutual assistance rather than traditional investment language.

While technology made it easier for organizers to recruit thousands of participants nationwide, the underlying model remained the same one that has fueled pyramid schemes for decades: early participants profit only if enough new people continue joining.

Eventually, recruitment slows, the money stops flowing, and the vast majority of participants are left holding the losses.

The BINT investigation serves as a reminder that whenever profits depend primarily on recruiting new members instead of selling legitimate products or services, the business model is almost certainly unsustainable—and may be illegal.

The Pyramid Scheme That Changed MLM Law Forever: The BurnLounge Case Explained

Most people have never heard of BurnLounge. Yet if you’ve ever wondered how regulators decide whether a multi-level marketing (MLM) company is legitimate or an illegal pyramid scheme, BurnLounge is the reason.

The company’s collapse led to one of the most important court decisions in MLM history. More than a decade later, the case is still cited by attorneys, regulators, and even MLM companies defending themselves.

What Was BurnLounge?

Launched in 2004, BurnLounge marketed itself as an online music business. Members could buy digital music, create personalized music stores, and sell songs to customers.

But there was another side to the business.

Participants were encouraged to purchase expensive business packages costing hundreds of dollars and recruit others to do the same. Those who recruited new members earned commissions, creating a strong financial incentive to focus on recruitment instead of retail music sales.

The Federal Trade Commission argued that the real product wasn’t music—it was the opportunity to recruit new participants.

Why the FTC Took Action

In 2007, the FTC sued BurnLounge, alleging it operated as an illegal pyramid scheme.

The government argued that:

• Most income came from recruiting new members rather than selling music to the public.
• Participants purchased business packages primarily to qualify for commissions.
• Retail music sales played only a minor role in the company’s revenue.

BurnLounge countered that it sold legitimate products and that distributors simply had the option to build a sales organization.

The courts ultimately disagreed.

The Landmark Ruling

In 2014, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed the lower court’s ruling.

The court established an important principle that continues to shape MLM law today:

A company cannot rely on the existence of a real product if participants are primarily paying for the right to recruit others.

That distinction became the legal framework regulators continue to use when evaluating MLM businesses.

Why This Case Matters Today

Before BurnLounge, there was significant debate over where to draw the line between direct selling and pyramid schemes.

The BurnLounge ruling clarified several key points:

• Simply selling a legitimate product is not enough.
• Compensation must be driven primarily by genuine retail sales.
• Recruitment incentives cannot be the main source of earnings.
• Courts will examine how the business actually operates—not just what its marketing materials claim.

These principles continue to influence investigations into MLM companies across the United States.

The Herbalife Connection

Ironically, BurnLounge’s defeat later became a valuable legal precedent for another major MLM company.

During the FTC’s investigation of Herbalife, legal analysts and attorneys repeatedly referenced the BurnLounge decision because it provided the clearest judicial explanation of what separates a lawful MLM from an illegal pyramid scheme.

Rather than hurting Herbalife’s defense, the BurnLounge ruling gave both regulators and the company a common legal standard to analyze the business model.

Whether one believes Herbalife passed that test remains a subject of debate, but there’s little disagreement about BurnLounge’s importance as a legal benchmark.

Lessons for Consumers

The BurnLounge case offers several warning signs consumers should consider before joining any business opportunity:

• Are participants encouraged to recruit more than they are encouraged to sell products?
• Are expensive starter packages required to earn meaningful commissions?
• Is there strong retail demand from customers who are not participants?
• Would the business survive if recruiting stopped tomorrow?

If recruitment appears more important than serving customers, the business deserves closer scrutiny.

Why BurnLounge Still Matters

BurnLounge disappeared years ago, but its influence lives on.

The case reshaped how courts evaluate MLM companies, influenced future FTC enforcement actions, and remains one of the most cited legal decisions involving pyramid schemes.

For anyone researching direct selling, network marketing, or consumer protection, understanding BurnLounge isn’t just a history lesson—it’s the foundation of modern MLM law.

Suzannah was a godsend who turned out to be a perfect sales rep and event organizer for our fledgling startup. Originally from Charleston, she carried the charm of a refined Southern hostess and a transcending smile of an elegant beauty queen. She arranged a meetup with Biergarten Haus, a German beer garden on the newly revitalized H Street corridor known locally as the Atlas District. Suzannah reached out to Arturas “Jeepo” Vorobjovas who also co-owns the Russia House in Dupont Circle.  

“Have you googled your restaurant lately?” Suzannah asked. “Your online reputation can either be an asset or a liability, and we’re here to help.”

“Germans love their pilsners and already flock to our beer gardens. Our reputation is flawless.”

“But there are so many beer aficionados, who are not familiar with the art of drinking Bavarian beer. We’re here to make the introductions.”

Jeepo was easily persuaded by Suzannah’s charm and got her in touch with Ali Loo, the general manager who agreed to provide free food for our event. 

Now the difficult chore of attracting people fell squarely on my shoulders. I immediately visited the Meetup website and noticed the D.C./Metro Area Reddit group was hosting an Oktoberfest event and searching for a venue. I contacted them, and they agreed to co-host the event with us as long as we would share with them our favorite Subreddit group.

“Beer Drinkers!” I answered enthusiastically. “And German beers reign!”

The Biergarten prosts German brews by the stein.  And since the beer drinker’s paradise is home to over 200 yeast strains, 40 sorts of malt, and 100 different hops, there’s a different taste for every day for the rest of your life.

The Biergarten is beyond spacious. There are three bars spread throughout the entire grounds: outdoor, indoor, and on the rooftop all with phenomenal views. There was floor-to-ceiling vintage art decor that brought back fond memories of fun times at a Stuttgart beer hall. German -enthusiasts sat beside long, rustic wood tables, while many held foot-tall beer steins congregating around repurposed bourbon barrels. Outside an oompah-pah band played traditional Oktoberfest music and women in blue polka-dotted dresses danced the Schuhplattler.  Ali brought out the pork knuckle served in a puddle of malty beer gravy. The lip-smacking rich meat wrapped in a golden sheath of crackling easily fell off the bone.  It was the perfect dish that served a large, rambunctious group of techies in a boisterous beer hall.

Suzannah raised her stein to Ali and me. “What a lively event, kudos on our first one together.” 

“Danke schön,” I replied. “I picked up a phrase here and there at my last duty station in Stuttgart.”

“Well I know no Deutsch, but my Grandma was born and raised in France, and she made sure we spoke it fluently.”

“Super, maybe you should visit Bistrot Du Coin in Kalorama for our next event. We can all mingle over Foie Gras.”

“That’s quite a hike. There’s nothing French in the Atlas District?”

“Unless you consider Louisiana French?”

“Absolutely, Cajun is a combination of French and Southern cuisines, which is kind of like me, since I’m a Carolina girl with French descent.”

“True dat. Well, there’s TruOrleans, the new Cajun restaurant on the west end.”

The following week, I met with James “Tru” Redding who just opened his bi-level Cajun restaurant just over the H Street Bridge.  Redding is also a partner in Arlington’s Sushi Rock and Dupont Circle’s Public Bar and Lupe as well as Landover’s Stadium Club, a steakhouse and strip gentlemen’s club.

The previous tenant was a run-down radio station where Petey Greene, the legendary ex-convict turned radio talk-show host, worked and was instrumental in calming the people of D.C. in the aftermath of Martin Luther King’s assassination. 

Today, the building is beautifully renovated with exposed bricks and an airy New Orleans-style veranda giving it an authentic French Quarter vibe. A sign painted on the side of the building shows a retro-looking advertisement for ginger mint julep.

Tru Redding met me at the patio and gave me a spirited tour of his new digs.  I admired all the wall art that Redding picked up from Bourbon Street, reflecting the character and soul of the Big Easy.

We sat upstairs on the veranda enclosed by ornate wrought iron railings with a commanding view of the Capitol. Overhead, large fans rotated above us, ushering in a cool breeze.  He offered me an Abita Purple Haze, and we sat down by a stained-wood table with bottles of Tabasco sauce and “Slap Ya Mama” Cajun seasoning.

“So what made you open up a Cajun restaurant in D.C.?”

“During a local golf tournament, I met the East’s, a third-generation Louisiana family who invited me to a duck hunting trip in the Creole Nature Trail. After a long day, we would return to their family home where they would cook up a storm.  It was the best Cajun-Creole food I’ve ever tasted – not the fancy stuffy you find in the French Quarter. And after that, I was on a mission to bring back a slice of N’awlins to the Nation’s Capital.”

“Has everything gone as planned?”

“We made a lot of mistakes.  We opened up way too early and there were disruptions in service and food.  We need to reach out to folks who were not pleased with our services and give us a second try.”

“Do ya’ll think H Street is ready for a block of the Big Easy?”

“We certainly do. We want to be good neighbors, though, and we hope that we can bring the right balance of Mardi Gras festivities while being courteous and considerate of our neighbors.  Hopefully, they will see us as good citizens, and we need your help in spreading that message.”

The following month we co-hosted “The Taste of TruOrleans” with Eventstir, a crowdfunding platform for events, and over a dozen people met up at the patio to devour D.C.’s best Cajun-style cooking.i

We parked the pedicab outside and foodies piled in to devour pistolettes, andouille-studded gumbo and crawfish étouffée, jambalaya, and gator tenders, compliments of Chef Andre Miller, a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse alumnus.

Both Wayne Manigo, a local entrepreneur and comedian, and I were enjoying the Abita Purple Haze beer on tap.

“I want to go back to the people of N’awlins and thank them for the birth of their food,” said Wayne 

“And I want to them for their interesting cocktails and stiff drinks. The Sazeracs really pack a punch,” I said. “Wanna try the Hurricane next?”

“How strong do you want it? They range from a mild level 1 to gale force 3 which is topped with Bacardi 151-proof rum,” the bartender said.

I squinted back at him and made a confused face, and the bartender immediately knew which one to pour.

“So what’s the next project Chef?” I asked.

“We hope to be serving breakfast soon with beignets and jambalaya-stuffed biscuits.”

“Laissez les bons temps rouler.”

Suzannah was the perfect adventurer in discovering and enjoying new cuisines.  She was someone who could make something as benign as eating crepes look attractive.  And beyond the bountiful platters of beef bourguignon and chocolate soufflé, she maintained her stunning, hourglass figure like Raquel Welch.

It definitely helped that she was an ardent fan of cardio, and she kept reminding me of the importance of cutting back on drinks and staying active.

“C’mon Chito, you’ve been drinking too much Abita. It’s time to work it out.”

If we weren’t walking to restaurants, we were sprinting to them and often joining other casual joggers around the expansive (National) Mall. D.C. happens to be one of the best cities for runners due to its walkability and abundant access to parkland. 

In one of our weekly rituals, we crossed paths with the Marine Corps Marathon runners at the Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway by the glamorous Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. We enjoyed making small talk with other runners and meeting new friends along the way just like we did at neighborhood restaurants.

As we approached the scenic Hains Point peninsular, we saw hundreds of volunteers in blue, waving American flags with tribute posters commemorating the fallen.  What an inspiring and emotional way to honor and remember those who made their ultimate sacrifice.  I knew I would be sweating today, but no one told me that I would be weeping also. 

I was honored to meet Monica Velez who lost two brothers—one in 2004 in Iraq and one in 2006 in Afghanistan. She was running her first marathon to raise money for TAPS, a non-profit organization that helps families nationwide cope with the deaths of their fallen soldiers. 

Corporal José “Freddy” Velez was killed in action in Fallujah in 2004 and was posthumously awarded the Silver Star.

“Oct 31st, 2004 was the last day we spoke to Freddie. His final words to us are, ‘Be Strong, Don’t Give Up.’ Still holding on to those words and that moment.”

Specialist Andrew Velez had the difficult task of escorting his brother’s body back to the United States. Two years later, he committed suicide in Afghanistan.

“Tell me more about TAPS.”

“TAPS helps brothers and sisters, fiancés, and battle buddies by providing counseling and grief support.  They get us all connected so we can talk about our grief and work through it together.”

“Being a sibling is a lot more than being a spouse and parent.  I expected to have my brothers with me for the rest of my life. With TAPS, I’m able to share my stories and help other family members. I’m able to reach two different spectrums of grief and help them go through the coping skills to get through each day.”

“Monica, your story really touches my heart. I want to thank both Freddy and Andrew who made their ultimate sacrifice You are a special angel – thank you for your service of gold.  Continue on your journey.”

“I remember our long runs together. I can hear my brothers cheering for me now.”

I stopped to give Monica a long embrace.

As we said our goodbyes, I promised myself to return next year.  If not to run, then to cheer runners along the course. I was deeply moved and inspired by their spirit and drive.  And for those who gave their lives, their sacrifices will never go in vain.

If you crave Arroz con gandules and other Puerto Rican street food, the options are limited in this city. It is the cuisine of Cuba, Spain, and parts of the African continent, and many of the ones that serve authentic dishes leave ambience and decor much to be desired.

As I walked into the establishment on 1110 Vermont Ave, NW, I was ushered into a modern, chic environment with a lush, zen feel. The decor was elegant and warm emblazoning the vibrant colors of the Caribbean. Latino bureaucrats were hobnobbing it up, imbibing on Piña Colada during a festive happy hour.

From the dining room, guests were provided with a stunning view of the kitchen. There was a plethora of dark wood on tables, chairs, walls, and even the ceiling. I sat at the bar and was greeted by a chatty bartender named Sofia. She recommended the mofongo con camarones which I washed down with a Spicy Pisco. The mashed plantains were creamy and sweet and the grilled shrimp was quite succulent. Closing my eyes, I gently dropped the last morsel in my mouth and mused over the spicy infusion. At that moment, a gentleman with curly hair and a short, neatly trimmed beard with flecks of gray came over and sat down.

“Hi, I’m Manuel,” he said warmly. “Welcome to the Embassy of Latin America.”

Manuel Iguina first came to D.C. as a medical student at George Washington University. He worked as a waiter at several restaurants in Georgetown, where he learned to love food and switched paths from medicine to cuisine. He helped open several restaurants such as Cafe Atlantico downtown and Ceviche in Silver Spring, MD.

Mio was a place where deals were transacted and connections made. You never knew which celebrity, official, or dignitary would walk through the doors. Justice Sotomayor has been known to enjoy the Tres Leches, and it wasn’t rare to see a Congressional staffer knocking back a Barcardi and coke.

Manuel worked the house deftly, bear-hugging regulars, cheek-pecking amigas, getting to know newcomers while keeping an eye on the busy open kitchen.

“We just hired a new Executive Chef, Roberto Hernandez from Metro Miami, who’s launched a new menu. We need new photos and a sleek website to showcase our dishes.”

“Would be honored to build Mio a snazzy website to complement your trendy decor and authentic cuisine.”

“That’s super. BTW, we’ve retained Heather Freeman to do our PR. I’ll get you in touch with her.”

“I worked with her for the opening of the Italian restaurant, Noellia. She’s passionate about her work and fun to work with. Our M.O. is to host a big event where Chef Hernandez can prepare all his favorite dishes. Then we’ll employ all the photos we take of the cuisine and customers enjoying them and feature them on your new site,” I stated enthusiastically.

I got on the phone and contacted Jason “Foodgeek” of DCFüd. “Let’s host the next Food Bloggers Happy Hour at Mio,” I suggested.

“Super, I love traditional Puerto Rican cooking and Mio’s ethnic cuisine is quite genuine.”

On the day of the event, May 8, 2014, over 30 food bloggers and foodies showed up to sample and devour calamari, ceviche and risotto with roast pig. 

“When we first opened, we were serving a lot of pan-Latin cuisine. But our customers preferred Puerto Rican cuisine, and that has been our main focus,” Manuel explained. 

Jessica Van Drop DeJesus of the Dining Traveler was in attendance. She was raised in Guayama, Puerto Rico, spending her elementary and middle school years on the island and still has many friends and family on the island.

As a Marine Corps officer, Jessica has traveled all over the world — visited more than fifty countries and lived in six. But she still considers Puerto Rico her favorite place on earth. 

I was happy to see D’Angela “Dee” Moore from BonAppéDee. Dee is a city gal who is utterly in love with food — cooking, tasting and eating all kinds of food, from all over the world. The only thing she loves more than eating food is talking about food.

The other Jason (Shriner) from the Aubergine Chef was there to sample the cuisine. He has great cooking videos on YouTube and teaches a food writing workshop at George Mason University.

“Love the open kitchen concept,” said Jason Shriner. “I learned how to cook several cuisines at my Mom’s side so I just love watching Chef Hernandez create the meals.”

“Grateful to hear. We call it ‘La Cocina Abierta’. We hope to introduce diners to a variety of flavors from the islands.”

From Shriner, my attention turned to the “Foodgeek.”

“So how long have you been writing for DCFüd?” I asked.

“Since 2004, I started out as a writer and now I run and manage the site. We specialize in ethnic food, so I’m ecstatic to be here.”

“Super, we definitely welcome your honest opinion and publicity,” said Manuel.

“Absolutely, but didn’t Tom Sietsema award you 2.5 stars and a glowing review?” I asked.

“Yes, that was eons ago and two chefs back.”

“Does anyone even know what that sneaky WAPO food critic looks like?” 

“I would recognize him in a crowded restaurant, but many restauranteurs couldn’t tell Tom Sietsema from Tom senator.”

Suddenly I saw her, getting some food and pouring a glass of water —  a lovely caramel-skinned girl, young and fresh with long legs and a sweet face.

“Hi there, are you new? Who do you write for?”

“Yes, I’m Audrey. I’m not a real food blogger but I love to eat out and make new friends.”

“Well you’re saying the right things, and I sense a slight accent — are you French?”

“Well, I was born in the French West Indies and lived in Paris for a few years. You sure have a good ear for tone.”

“Well, a voice like yours stands out from all the rest.”

“Are you flirting with me?”

“Only if you promise to come to more of our events. So what do you do for fun?”

“I love art, Karaoke, dance, travel, hanging out with friends, and obviously sample great food.”

“Well, you’ve come to the right place then. And since you’re a Caribbean girl, can I get you a piña colada maybe?”

“I never turn down an adult beverage. I’m beginning to like your events.”

The empanadas, bolitas, and cured salmon were cooked to perfection; the tostones were amazing, and the Don Q Rum, mind-blowing.

The event overall was a smashing success and we were able to garner lots of positive publicity. Shortly after, the website launched and Mio was my first Latin cuisine restaurant in my portfolio. This would be followed by The Cuban Corner in Rockville and soon we would be working with a wide variety of ethnic cuisines.

Mio became my favorite place to hang out, not just to eat but to meet expats, Latinos, Latinas, and locals. And Manuel was always good for a toast and a chat. 

December 2015

Several months later, Manuel gave me a call. I usually spoke to him several times a week, but lately, the calls became few and far between.

“I’m sad to announce that Mio is closing.”

“Whoa, you gotta be kidding Manuel. You have established a loyal customer base and all the Puerto Rican expats, lobbyists and policymakers call Mio ‘Little San Juan’.”

“Unfortunately, my landlord is doubling our rent and we’ll no longer be able to make ends meet.”

“I’m devastated, Manuel. You are my favorite client.”

“And I hope we’ll continue to stay that way. We have exciting plans for our next restaurant project to introduce the taste of Puerto Rico to the D.C. Metro area.”

“Super, can’t wait. Will you bring back Lechon Fridays?”

“Absolutamente, amigo mio y muchas caipirinhas tambien. We may be closing one door, but an exciting one will be opening soon. Stay tuned.”