Complaint Review: Christian Manzila - Silver Spring Maryland

     On 8/30/2013, after a phone conversation with Mr Manzila, I was sent an email explaining a business opportunity for the shipment of cars and equipment to the Congo. A few days thereafter, we met and discussed the opportunity further and eventually I made a commitment to lend the money for the venture and a written document detailing the amount I would invest and the splits between us, was signed a few weeks later (although I can not locate that particular document at this time)

    Shortly after signing the document, Mr Manzila preceded to send me potential car leads that we were going to buy and send overseas. My fiancee found out about this and she was extremely uncomfortable with the whole thing so I told Mr. Manzila and explained to him that I have a house that will be selling shortly and that I would invest with those proceeds. 

    On September 24th 2013, he emails me saying that another prosoective investor had sent a car and had gotten into a jam and needed Christian Manzila to help him. He asked if I could contribute $2,000.00 to pay for the port fees and he will spend whatever money he has remaining to send his sister to the Congo she can get the car from the port and sell it. In exchange he promised to pay back $3,000.00

    After a lot of thought, I decided to just go ahead and do it and see how it works so on October 18, 2013 I signed a document that stated the amount lent, as well as the amount I was to receive, and which was due on November 21st 2013. 

    He made me extremely comfortable through out the whole process and my level of trust was somewhat high. He texted me a few days before the due date and informed me that he was in Charlotte and that he would be returning that night or tomorrow morning to return the money.

  But after that, he fell off the face of the earth. He would not return my calls, texts, etc. This went on for almost a week, when on Wednesday of the following week he texted me to say he had done a hit and run and that he was running from the police. He informed me that he had to go back to Charlotte but he informed me that he would pay the 3k after returning in 1 weeks. 

After 2 weeks, we again touched base and he was in Richmond, making his way back to Tysons Corner. He told me he would meet me that night or the following morning. Well he has done the very same thing again. He has disappeared and will not return calls or texts. 

 He has had no communication with me whatsoever since November 26, 2013. For me this all comes as a shock but I am glad I did not risk the 20k that I had considered initially. 

 If anyone is considering doing business with this person, I would advise you against it. He may seem nice and friendly upfront, but I do not believe he has any integrity. If he can cheat me over a measly 3k, then surely he can cheat you out of the price of a car. 

I welcome any advice in order to get the money returned. Out of principal, I want the money returned and the guys credit and reputation trashed. Thats what he deserves