Sann Rodrigues, a key figure in the collapsed TelexFree Ponzi scheme, began organizing a new event for loyal followers just days after federal regulators shut down the operation. On April 17th, the same day agents raided TelexFree offices, Rodrigues announced the gathering on Facebook, joined by co-defendant Faith Sloan. This occurred two days after a temporary restraining order froze the company's assets.
Rodrigues' strategy aimed to rebrand himself as a victim while promising his downline that something bigger was coming. Three days after the initial announcement, he posted an account of the gathering. His message addressed those he had recruited into TelexFree, stating, "YOU ARE THE STAR OF YOUR OWN BUSINESS AND NOTHING WILL DIM OUR SHINE."
He described the meeting as an accord among "leaders who revolutionize." Rodrigues also spoke of his "Sann Rodrigues World Network" representing "millions of people, lives, families." He claimed the gathering was "necessary and essential" for people to keep working, pay bills, and feed their families.
Rodrigues acknowledged TelexFree made "history in the world." He subtly distanced himself from direct responsibility, citing operational mistakes and communication failures. These were presented as secondary concerns. Unity, he insisted, remained paramount. "We stand united. No matter what challenge life imposes. We are prepared to win!" This message sought to prevent his network from fracturing as legal pressure mounted.
Other TelexFree leaders responded differently to the collapse. Randy Crosby and Santiago De La Rosa disappeared. Faith Sloan systematically deleted incriminating posts from the internet. Rodrigues, however, faced deep anger from those he personally recruited. He chose to become a rallying point instead of vanishing.
Rodrigues framed TelexFree's shutdown as a result of "obscure motivations" and "judicial-political" interference from Brazil. He positioned himself as a leader confronting external forces, not a man evading justice. He promised "comfort and clear concrete answers" to those who had lost money and trusted him.
Rodrigues was announcing a pivot. The SEC may have shut down TelexFree, but the Sann Rodrigues World Network would continue. It would operate under a new name, with new promises, built on the same foundation of followers already proven loyal. The scheme did not end on April 17th. It simply changed ownership.