Who is John Burford: Ex-NASA scientist jailed for investment fraud worth around $1.2 million |

John Burford, an 85-year-old physicist and former NASA scientist, has been sentenced to 2 years in jail for defrauding greater than 100 traders out of around $1.2 million, as reported by BBC. Once a revered determine in each science and finance, Burford’s profession spanned from engaged on NASA’s manned Mars exploration workforce to authoring books and advising on buying and selling methods. However, his repute collapsed after he admitted to deceptive traders, hiding buying and selling losses, and utilizing funds for private achieve, together with buying a home. His conviction underscores the hazards of unregulated investment schemes.

The fraud scheme and NASA hyperlink

Between 2016 and 2021, Burford operated Financial Trading Strategies, providing investment alternatives and commerce alerts. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) discovered that he was not authorised to conduct such actions. While he collected over £1 million from traders, solely £760,000 was truly traded, most of which was misplaced. Significant sums have been diverted for private use, together with shopping for a house. Burford holds a PhD in physics from the University of Toronto and contributed to NASA’s manned Mars exploration workforce, lending credibility that helped appeal to followers within the monetary world.

From area science to finance

After leaving area science, Burford transitioned to finance and commodities buying and selling. Over greater than 30 years, he established himself as a advisor, market analyst, and buying and selling strategist. He revealed books on chart-based buying and selling strategies, grew to become editor of the Moneyweek Trader e-mail service for UK spread-betters, and ran a private buying and selling weblog providing market evaluation.

Conviction and sentencing

In June 2025, Burford pleaded responsible to fraud by false illustration and a number of Financial Services and Markets Act offences. At Southwark Crown Court, he was sentenced to 2 years in jail, with all fees served concurrently. The FCA has launched confiscation proceedings to get well funds and compensate victims. Despite a long time {of professional} expertise, Burford’s fraudulent actions have overshadowed his achievements, serving as a cautionary story about unregulated monetary schemes and misplaced belief in authority figures.