Denver, CO — Two companies from Colorado and three of their leading executives have been charged with allegedly conspiring to sell forklifts made in China to federal agencies, falsely claiming they were produced in the United States, while also evading over $1 million in tariffs and import duties.
A federal grand jury issued the indictment on August 21, naming Endless Sales Inc. and Octane Forklifts, Inc., both located in the Denver region, along with executives Brian Firkins, Jeffrey Blasdel, and J.R. Antczak. The charges encompass wire fraud, conspiracy, tariff evasion, and providing false information to the U.S. government.
According to court documents, the defendants allegedly:
- Imported forklifts from China,
- Conspired with a Chinese manufacturer and an unnamed Chinese national to create fraudulent invoices that undervalued the forklifts, and
- Misrepresented the forklifts as American-made to sell them to government agencies, including the Department of Defense and FEMA.
The indictment alleges the fraudulent activity enabled the companies to evade more than $1 million in tariffs and win contracts under the Buy America Act, which requires federal agencies to prioritize U.S.-made goods.
“Brazen Scheme to Defraud the U.S. Government”
“This alleged fraud is not only criminal—it is a direct threat to our economic integrity and national security,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “We will hold accountable those who profit at the expense of U.S. law and taxpayer dollars.”
Officials emphasized the seriousness of the charges, especially as some contracts involved FEMA and disaster relief funds.
“Intentionally violating the Buy America Act to defraud the U.S. Government isn’t just a legal issue—it’s a complete disregard for national security and our military’s safety,” said Special Agent in Charge Derek Tilton of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division.
The defendants face multiple federal charges:
- Conspiracy to commit wire fraud – up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines per individual count.
- Wire fraud – additional 20-year maximum per count.
- Tariff evasion conspiracy – up to 5 years and $250,000 fines per count.
- False statements to the government (Blasdel only) – up to 5 years and $250,000.
The two corporations, Endless Sales and Octane Forklifts, face potential fines of up to $500,000 per count, or twice the gain or loss from the offense.
“This indictment sends a clear message: companies that lie to the federal government and cheat U.S. taxpayers will face serious consequences,” said Deputy Inspector General Robert Erickson of the GSA OIG.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. Sentencing will be determined if convictions are secured, based on federal guidelines and statutory considerations.
