Million-dollar galas, celebrities and a PGA tournament: Inside the collapse of a Colorado private jet broker

OneFlight International’s collapse in Colorado is now tied to allegations of a Ponzi-style scheme, according to nearly a dozen lawsuits filed by customers and described in reporting by The Denver Post. The company’s Dec. 6 gala at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Denver included celebrity brand ambassadors and major business partners, including appearances by Ben Stiller, Kevin Costner and Kurt Russell, with Vanna White, Blue Man Group performances and custom Rolex gifts from Kevin O’Leary. Behind the event, customers allege CEO Ferren Rajput ran the business as a classic Ponzi, citing surging costs and unsustainable promotions that allegedly left the firm insolvent. The company later announced a 30-day pause of flight activity; former employees said the airport office in Englewood went empty and final paychecks arrived nine days late.