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SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Filipino Call‑Center Executive Mike Sordilla Pleads Guilty in U.S. to $48‑Million Publishing Scam Michael Cris Traya Sordilla — known professionally as Mike Sordilla — has pleaded guilty in U.S. federal court to orchestrating a massive publishing scam that defrauded more than 800 American authors, many of them senior citizens. Sordilla, 34, of Quezon City, Philippines, admitted to running a network of fraudulent publishing and marketing companies that promised book deals, film adaptations, and literary representation but delivered little to nothing.
In a detailed plea agreement filed in the Southern District of California, prosecutors said the scheme generated over $48 million in losses. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, ” … pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting that he conspired to perpetrate a book publishing scam that caused losses of over $48 million to more than 800 victims throughout the United States.”
Federal agents described the operation as one of the largest publishing‑related frauds ever uncovered.
A Call‑Center Empire Built on False Promises
Court records show that Sordilla operated through Innocentrix Philippines, a business process outsourcing company based in Mandaue City, Cebu, where dozens of callers posed as literary agents, film scouts, or representatives of major U.S. publishers. The DOJ stated: “Sordilla’s role in the conspiracy was using Innocentrix Philippines to manage a call center in the Philippines where dozens of sales representatives contacted victims in the United States pretending to be literary agents.”
Beginning around 2017, Sordilla and his associates created a network of fake U.S. companies — including PageTurner Press and Media LLC, Metro Films LLC, and WP Lighthouse LLC — to appear legitimate. They used American mailing addresses, polished websites, and scripted sales pitches to lure aspiring authors.
According to prosecutors, “From 2017 until 2024, under the guise of these fictitious businesses, Sordilla and co-conspirators operated a fraudulent network of scammers in the Philippines to enrich themselves by selling false hopes of tremendous professional success to writers in the United States.”
How the Scam Worked
Victims were told their manuscripts had been “selected” for Hollywood adaptation, international distribution, or major book fairs. Some were promised that Amazon Publishing or Barnes & Noble had expressed interest — claims that were entirely fabricated. Authors paid between $1,000 and $20,000, often in multiple installments, for editing, marketing, or film‑pitch packages that never materialized.
U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath said the emotional manipulation was deliberate: “What started with the promise of a Hollywood dream turned into a devastating nightmare for victims.” She added a warning to writers nationwide: “Authors should stay vigilant, do their research, and think twice before giving money to anyone promising a blockbuster deal.”
The FBI later confirmed that more than 800 victims collectively lost over $44 million, many of them retirees who had spent years writing their manuscripts.
How Authorities Discovered the Operation
The investigation began after hundreds of complaints were filed with the Federal Trade Commission, the Better Business Bureau, and state consumer‑protection offices. Victims reported identical sales scripts, repeated pressure calls, and promises of film deals that never progressed.
Federal investigators traced bank accounts opened under the fake U.S. companies and followed the money trail to the Philippines. They also obtained internal call‑center scripts instructing employees to impersonate agents, claim fake partnerships, and fabricate interest from publishers and studios.
U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon emphasized the human cost: “The defendants didn’t just steal money — they stole dreams, leaving victims with empty promises and devastating losses.” He added: “Today’s guilty plea delivers justice for victims and serves as a warning that legitimate publishers and filmmakers do not demand upfront fees.”
Where Sordilla Was Arrested
Sordilla was arrested on December 9, 2024, in San Diego, where he had traveled to meet associates and oversee parts of the operation. Federal agents detained him after monitoring communications that linked him directly to payment coordination and victim outreach.
He was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. His co‑defendant, call‑center manager Julius Tarosa, was arrested the same day.
The DOJ noted that Sordilla’s companies were designed to appear American but were controlled from the Philippines, making the case a significant example of cross‑border fraud.
Awaiting Sentencing
Sordilla formally pleaded guilty on May 7, 2026, according to the U.S. Department of Justice, which announced the plea in a detailed press release outlining the scale of the fraud. The DOJ stated: “Michael Cris Traya Sordilla… pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting that he conspired to perpetrate a book publishing scam that caused losses of over $48 million to more than 800 victims throughout the United States.”
He is currently held at the Federal Detention Center in San Diego pending sentencing. Under federal guidelines, he faces up to 20 years in prison, though the final term will depend on victim losses and his cooperation with investigators.
In summarizing the case, prosecutors said the defendants “sold false hopes of tremendous professional success” and preyed on vulnerable writers seeking recognition.
Sentencing is expected later this year.
