Former Tax-Tech CEO Arrested for Faking CPA License and Misusing $13 Million Funding

Shiloh Luckey, also known as Shiloh Johnson, the former head of Los Angeles-based tax compliance startup ComplYant App Inc, was arrested in Fort Lauderdale while attempting to board a luxury cruise ship. A federal grand jury issued a 15-count indictment charging her with nine counts of securities fraud, three counts of wire fraud, one count of bank fraud and two counts of money laundering. Authorities allege Luckey never held a CPA license and fabricated the company’s recurring revenue to secure more than $13.3 million from venture-capital investors between 2020 and 2023.

Rather than developing the technology, she allegedly used the funds for personal luxuries, including an Inglewood property, a Tesla and an extravagant wedding in Anguilla. Prosecutors also claim she executed a check-kiting scheme in late 2022 to finance the home purchase, later covering the shortfall with new investor money. ComplYant ceased operations in September 2023, wiping out the investors’ stakes. Luckey was released on bond and is slated to appear before a Los Angeles federal judge; a conviction could carry up to 30 years in prison.