Michael G. Kessler is the founding President and CEO of Kessler International, a United States headquartered forensic accounting, computer forensics and corporate investigations firm.
Michael G. Kessler is cited as being the first "forensic auditor", a term originally coined by Kessler, and now widely used within the industry. Forensic accounting is one of the fastest growing professions in the nation.[1]
Kessler has been Chief of Investigations for N.Y.S. Tax and Finance, Director for the N.Y.S. Revenue Crimes Bureau, Deputy Inspector General for the N.Y. Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and Assistant Chief Auditor/Investigator for the N.Y.S. Special Prosecutor.
Kessler has supervised intergovernmental task forces and some of the largest undercover operations ever conducted in New York State.
Kessler's credentials include Cr.FA (Certified Forensic Accountant), CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner), CICA (Certified Internal Controls Auditor), DABFA (Diplomate with the American Board of Forensic Accountants), FABFE (Fellow status with the American Board of Forensic Examiners) [2]
In 1984 Kessler received the Outstanding Citizenship Award from the City of New York for his exemplary service to the city.
In September 2003 Kessler was elected to the American College of Forensic Examiners (ACFE) Executive Board of Accounting
In January 2006 Kessler was elected the Chairman of the American Board of Forensic Accounting, an advisory board of the American College of Forensic Examiners.[3]
Agape World In early 2008, Kessler began investigating fraudulent loan operations and discovered that almost 98 percent of the loan operations paying high rates of return were either a Ponzi scheme or a pyramid scheme.
Kessler investigated an alleged Long Island-based Ponzi scheme masquerading as a legitimate bridge loan company, called Agape World.
Further investigation revealed numerous red flags, leading Kessler to believe that Agape World was in fact a Ponzi scheme, and he alerted the FBI and other law enforcement agencies as to his findings.
Shortly thereafter, the FBI and the USPIS launched their own investigation. Agape World continued to operate, but after the collapse of the Bernard Madoff Ponzi scheme, Agape World came under increased scrutiny and suspicion by investors, as can be seen on the forums Fatwallet and ScamVictimsUnited.com, websites in which alleged scams are discussed and scam victims can tell their stories or seek advice.
In December 2008 and January 2009, Kessler received numerous reports from investors in Agape World that the payout dates for various bridge loans were being extended or not paid at all, signs that are usually indicative of a collapsing Ponzi scheme. In January 2009, Nicholas Cosmo, founder of Agape World, was arrested by authorities and is alleged to have defrauded investors of an approximate total of $370 million.[4][5][6][7]
January 25, 2010, Kessler was hired by the city of Fort Pierce, Florida to audit the city’s Community Services Department and as a result of their work, Kessler recommended the city turn over its findings to the U.S. Attorney’s Office to determine whether criminal charges should be filed.[8]
In March, 2009, the City of Deerfield Beach, Florida hired Kessler International to audit the town's Community Grant department.[9]