Manny Khoshbin Lawsuit, Billionaire Car Collector Scammed Out of $3.4M in Mercedes-AMG One Fraud
When a billionaire real estate mogul with a $250 million net worth gets scammed out of $3.4 million for a car that doesn’t exist, it exposes just how sophisticated—and prevalent—luxury car fraud has become.
Manny Khoshbin, the Iranian-American entrepreneur known for his jaw-dropping supercar collection and massive social media following, found himself at the center of one of the most elaborate automotive scams in recent years. His case isn’t just celebrity gossip—it’s a cautionary tale about trust, verification, and the dark side of the ultra-luxury car market.
What Is the Manny Khoshbin Lawsuit? The Essential Facts
The Manny Khoshbin lawsuit centers on a sophisticated fraud scheme where Khoshbin, CEO of The Khoshbin Company, paid $3.4 million upfront for a Mercedes-AMG One hypercar build slot that turned out to be completely fake.
Here’s what happened:
Between 2021-2022, Khoshbin was contacted by someone claiming to have access to a Mercedes-AMG One—one of the world’s most exclusive hypercars, with only 275 units ever produced. Eager to add the F1-powered masterpiece to his collection, Khoshbin wire-transferred the full $3.4 million payment.
No car ever arrived. No updates. No communication. Just silence.
By 2023, after more than two years of waiting and growing frustration, Khoshbin realized he’d been the victim of an elaborate scam. He filed a lawsuit seeking to recover his $3.4 million plus interest, legal fees, and damages for the emotional toll and time wasted pursuing what he thought was a legitimate deal.
Who Is Manny Khoshbin? Understanding the Victim
Before diving into the legal details, it’s important to understand who Manny Khoshbin is—and why this case matters.
Manny Khoshbin’s Background:
- Real Estate Mogul: CEO of The Khoshbin Company, which has handled over $1 billion in commercial property transactions
- Net Worth: Estimated at $250 million
- Car Collection: Owns Bugatti Bolide, Pagani Huayra Hermes Edition, McLaren Speedtail, multiple Bugattis, and dozens of other hypercars
- Social Media Influencer: Millions of followers across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok showcasing his luxury lifestyle
- Author & Entrepreneur: Immigrant success story who built his empire from homelessness
Khoshbin’s public profile and wealth made him a target for scammers who prey on high-net-worth individuals seeking exclusive, hard-to-acquire vehicles.
The Mercedes-AMG One: Why This Car Was Worth $3.4 Million
To understand why Khoshbin fell for this scam, you need to know what makes the Mercedes-AMG One so special.
Why the AMG One Is Nearly Impossible to Buy:
- Formula 1 Technology: Features the actual 1.6-liter turbo V6 hybrid engine from Mercedes’ F1 race cars
- Extreme Scarcity: Only 275 units produced worldwide, with 55 allocated to the U.S.
- Eight-Year Wait: First unveiled in 2017, deliveries didn’t begin until 2022-2024
- U.S. Restrictions: Can only be imported under “Show and Display” rules, limiting owners to 2,500 miles per year
- Record Performance: Lapped the Nürburgring in 6:29, the first production car under 6:30
- Starting Price: $2.72 million MSRP, with build slots selling for double or triple on the secondary market
“You can’t just walk into a showroom and buy one,” explains Khoshbin. “Even if you have the money, you need connections, invitations, and luck.”
This scarcity creates a breeding ground for fraud.
How the Scam Worked: Anatomy of a $3.4 Million Fraud
The Manny Khoshbin lawsuit reveals a sophisticated playbook that con artists use to target wealthy car collectors:
Step 1: The Perfect Target
Khoshbin had publicly expressed interest in acquiring a Mercedes-AMG One. He’d already purchased the complementary Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series P One Edition, making his intentions clear.
Step 2: The Exclusive Connection
The scammer approached Khoshbin claiming to have access to a coveted AMG One build slot—something nearly impossible to obtain legitimately.
Step 3: Creating Urgency
With only 275 units worldwide and skyrocketing demand, the scammer emphasized that slots were vanishing fast, creating pressure to act quickly.
Step 4: Full Payment Upfront
Unlike legitimate car transactions with deposits and milestone payments, Khoshbin was asked to wire the full $3.4 million immediately to “secure” the slot.
Step 5: The Waiting Game
After payment, the scammer provided occasional vague updates about production delays—plausible given the AMG One’s notoriously troubled development history.
Step 6: The Disappearing Act
Eventually, all communication ceased. The scammer vanished, leaving Khoshbin without a car, answers, or his money.
The Bigger Picture: Traveon Rogers and the Serial AMG One Scammer
While Khoshbin’s specific scammer hasn’t been publicly identified in court filings, his case parallels an even larger fraud operation involving the same car.
The Traveon Rogers Connection:
Fashion retail CEO Michael Mente lost $5.4 million in a nearly identical Mercedes-AMG One scam orchestrated by Texas con artist Traveon Rogers. In 2023, Rogers was also sued for stealing $3.19 million from another buyer in the same scheme.
Rogers’ Criminal History:
- Currently serving seven years in Texas prison for felony theft involving luxury car scams
- Impersonated Aston Martin representatives and forged documents
- Falsely claimed to be a billionaire from early Snapchat investments and NFL player
- Used fake identity “Jean-Pierre M.R. Clement”—a French exotic car dealer who never existed
- Worked with Colorado attorney Scott Oliver who facilitated transactions (Oliver claims he was unaware of the fraud)
Rogers’ pattern demonstrates how organized and repeatable these scams have become.
Current Status: Where the Manny Khoshbin Lawsuit Stands
As of November 2024, Khoshbin’s lawsuit is seeking:
Legal Claims:
- Fraud: Intentional misrepresentation about owning or having access to an AMG One build slot
- Breach of Contract: Failure to deliver promised vehicle
- Unjust Enrichment: Defendant retains money without providing anything in return
- Conversion: Wrongful taking and use of Khoshbin’s $3.4 million
Damages Sought:
- Full refund of $3.4 million
- Interest accrued since payment
- Legal fees and court costs
- Emotional distress damages
- Punitive damages to deter future fraud
“All of this drama has become too much,” Khoshbin stated. “I’ve lost not just the money, but my time, mental space, and now legal fees. I just want to recover my loss with interest.”
Additional Controversies: Other Manny Khoshbin Legal Issues
While the car scam lawsuit is the most prominent case, Khoshbin has faced other legal scrutiny and allegations:
Federal Court Case (USA v. Khoshbin – 2025)
In March 2025, a criminal case titled “USA v. Manuchehr Khoshbin” (Case No. 8:25-cr-00026) was filed in California Central District Court. Details remain sealed, but the case has sparked significant online speculation about:
- Potential tax issues
- Business practice investigations
- Real estate transaction scrutiny
Status: Bond hearing and pretrial conference scheduled for May 2025. Trial set for May 27, 2025.
Identity Theft Allegations (Antik Bose Case)
In a bizarre twist, Khoshbin’s photo was allegedly used without permission by someone creating a fake persona named “Dr. Antik Bose”—a fictional doctor and billionaire hotelier whose photos and credentials were completely fabricated.
Short-seller Gabriel Grego attempted to contact Khoshbin about the identity theft, but Khoshbin never responded, leading to speculation about whether he was aware of the misuse.
Social Media “Exposé” Series
Multiple Instagram and TikTok accounts (notably @ballerbusters and @kavehesq) have posted multi-part series titled “Exposing Manny Khoshbin,” alleging:
- Questionable business practices
- Potential tax evasion
- Misleading representations about wealth
- “Fake guru” tactics selling courses
Khoshbin’s Response: He has warned followers about scam accounts impersonating him and has not directly addressed most allegations.
Legal Implications: What This Means for Luxury Car Buyers
The Manny Khoshbin lawsuit exposes critical vulnerabilities in the ultra-luxury car market:
Red Flags for Luxury Car Scams
Warning Signs You’re Being Scammed:
- Seller claims “exclusive access” to impossible-to-find vehicles
- Requires full payment upfront instead of standard deposits
- Uses intermediaries or attorneys to distance themselves
- Provides vague answers about delivery timelines
- Cannot produce verifiable documentation from the manufacturer
- Pressures you to act quickly before “losing” the opportunity
How to Protect Yourself
Due Diligence Steps:
- Verify directly with the manufacturer that the build slot exists
- Use escrow services for high-value transactions
- Never wire full payment upfront—use milestone-based payments
- Research the seller’s history through automotive forums and collector networks
- Hire specialized attorneys familiar with exotic car transactions
- Check criminal and civil court records of all parties involved
- Insist on visiting the dealer or seeing documentation in person
“If it seems too good to be true, it probably is,” warns one automotive fraud investigator. “Even billionaires need to verify.”
Similar Cases: The Epidemic of Exotic Car Fraud
Khoshbin isn’t alone. Luxury car scams are shockingly common:
The Rolls-Royce Boat Tail Scam ($28 Million)
In 2023, fraudsters attempted to sell non-existent Rolls-Royce Boat Tail build slots—cars worth $28 million each. Multiple buyers lost deposits before the scheme was exposed.
The Ferrari Monza SP2 Flipping Ring
A network of dealers and brokers illegally flipped Ferrari Monza SP2 allocations, violating Ferrari’s strict anti-flipping contracts and resulting in lawsuits and lifetime purchase bans.
The Lamborghini Ghost Dealer Network
Between 2019-2022, a sophisticated fraud ring created fake Lamborghini dealer credentials and sold non-existent Aventador SVJ and Huracán STO allocations, defrauding buyers of over $12 million.
These cases follow the same pattern: exploit scarcity, create urgency, demand upfront payment, and vanish.
What Happens Next: Possible Outcomes
Khoshbin’s lawsuit could result in several scenarios:
Best Case:
- Court identifies the scammer’s assets
- Full recovery of $3.4 million plus damages
- Criminal prosecution of the fraudster
- Public awareness deters future scams
Likely Reality:
- Scammer’s assets already hidden or spent
- Partial recovery through asset seizure
- Long legal battle spanning years
- Khoshbin absorbs significant losses
Unfortunately, most luxury car scam victims recover little or nothing, even with successful court judgments.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Manny Khoshbin Lawsuit
Did Manny Khoshbin ever get his Mercedes-AMG One?
No. After waiting eight years and losing patience with Mercedes’ delays and U.S. emission restrictions, Khoshbin voluntarily canceled his legitimate AMG One order in August 2025, separate from the scam lawsuit.
Is Manny Khoshbin facing criminal charges?
There is a sealed federal case (USA v. Khoshbin) filed in March 2025, but details are not public. Khoshbin has not been charged or convicted of any crimes as of November 2024.
How much is Manny Khoshbin worth?
Approximately $250 million, primarily from commercial real estate investments through The Khoshbin Company.
Can you sue someone for selling a car they don’t have?
Yes. This constitutes fraud, breach of contract, and potentially theft. Victims can file civil lawsuits and report criminal fraud to law enforcement.
How common are luxury car scams?
Extremely common. The FBI estimates hundreds of millions in losses annually from exotic car fraud, with most cases going unreported due to embarrassment.
What should I do if I’ve been scammed buying a car?
- Immediately contact law enforcement and file a police report
- Contact your bank to attempt wire transfer reversal (unlikely after 24 hours)
- Hire an attorney specializing in fraud and contract law
- File complaints with the FTC and FBI’s IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center)
- Document everything: emails, texts, wire transfers, communications
Will Manny Khoshbin get his money back?
Unknown. Success depends on identifying the scammer, locating assets, and whether they’ve been hidden or spent. Most fraud victims recover little to nothing.
The Takeaway: Trust but Verify
The Manny Khoshbin lawsuit proves that wealth and success don’t protect you from sophisticated fraud. If a billionaire with decades of business experience can lose $3.4 million to a car scam, anyone can fall victim.
Key Lessons:
- Scarcity creates vulnerability — Fraudsters exploit desperate desire for exclusive products
- Verification is non-negotiable — Always confirm legitimacy directly with manufacturers
- Never pay full price upfront — Legitimate sellers use deposits and milestone payments
- Even billionaires need protection — Wealth doesn’t equal immunity from fraud
- The exotic car market needs reform — Better transparency and verification systems are essential
As Khoshbin’s case moves through the courts, it serves as a stark reminder: In high-stakes transactions, due diligence isn’t optional—it’s survival.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the Manny Khoshbin lawsuit and related legal matters. It should not be construed as legal advice. Content is current as of November 2024 and may not reflect the most recent legal developments. Some allegations discussed remain unproven in court.
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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