Archive · 8 Jan 2026
Zadeh Kicks Founder Sentenced for Fraud
Michael Malekzadeh, the founder of a sneaker reselling company called Zadeh Kicks, was sentenced to almost six years in prison.
He was found guilty of tricking people and banks out of money.
He promised to sell special sneakers but didn't have enough to fulfill all the orders.
This caused a big problem, with people and banks losing a lot of money.
The court also made him give up more than $15 million in fancy things he bought with the money, like expensive cars and jewelry.
He and his partner have to pay back all the money they owe.
The company is now being taken apart and sold to pay back the people who lost money.
Michael Malekzadeh, founder of Zadeh Kicks, sentenced to 70 months in prison for fraud conspiracy.
Malekzadeh ordered to forfeit over $15 million in assets, including luxury items.
Zadeh Kicks collapsed, leading to $80 million in losses for customers and financial institutions.
Malekzadeh admitted to taking payments for sneaker preorders he couldn't fulfill.
Restitution hearing set for March 31 to determine full repayment to victims.
- Who
- Michael Malekzadeh, founder of Zadeh Kicks, and his partner Bethany Mockerman, the company's CFO
- What
- Sentenced to 70 months in prison for fraud conspiracy and ordered to forfeit assets
- When
- Sentenced on Tuesday (specific date not mentioned), restitution hearing on March 31
- Where
- Eugene, Oregon, US District Court, District of Oregon
- Why
- For wire fraud, bank fraud, and failing to fulfill sneaker orders, leading to $80 million in losses
- Founder's Name
- Michael Malekzadeh
- Sentence Length
- 70 months (almost 6 years)
- Assets Forfeited
- More than $15 million
- Total Losses
- $80 million (customers and financial institutions)
- Unfulfilled Orders
- More than $65 million
- Luxury Items Seized
- Watches, jewelry, handbags, luxury cars
- Restitution Hearing Date
- March 31
- Company Founded
- 2013