My FBI Declassified Story
Marques Brownlee
9 min, 26 sec
Marques Brownlee recounts the time the FBI visited his studio to inquire about his dealings with the company behind the Escobar Fold phone.
Summary
- Marques describes the security protocol at his studio involving a front desk guard named Bob.
- He explains how the FBI and IRS visited him in June 2020 to ask about the Escobar Fold phone.
- Marques had made a video exposing the Escobar Fold as a scam, which attracted federal attention.
- The FBI took the Escobar Fold and a gold iPhone from his video as evidence.
- Marques was instructed not to discuss the incident until given permission, which he finally received after the main suspect was arrested.
Chapter 1
Marques Brownlee introduces the story of the FBI visiting his studio.
- Marques has hinted at an FBI visit to his studio in the past but wasn't able to discuss it until now.
- He explains that his studio is in a larger building with security protocols, including a strict rule about visitors.
Chapter 2
Marques details the day the FBI and IRS agents visited him at the studio.
- In June 2020, during the COVID-19 peak, Marques and Andrew were alone in the studio.
- Front desk guard Bob informed Marques about visitors with badges asking for him.
- Marques met the FBI and IRS agents who flashed their badges and asked about the Escobar phone.
Chapter 3
Marques provides context about the Escobar Fold phone scam his video exposed.
- Marques had previously published a video about the Escobar Fold, exposing it as a scam.
- The scam involved selling a $400 gold folding phone, which was a Samsung Galaxy Fold with a gold sticker.
- Marques's video led to the scam's unraveling as various payment services stopped supporting the company.
Chapter 4
Marques discusses the FBI and IRS investigation into the Escobar company.
- The FBI and IRS asked Marques for all communications with the Escobar company.
- They took the Escobar Fold and gold iPhone from his videos as evidence.
- Marques was asked not to discuss the incident publicly.
Chapter 5
Marques talks about the aftermath and finally getting permission to tell his story.
- Marques waited years before he could speak about the incident.
- After the head of the scam was arrested, Marques reached out to the FBI for permission to share the story.
- The FBI confirmed it was now fine to talk about the incident, leading to this video.
Chapter 6
Marques reflects on the experience and teases other FBI encounters related to his YouTube channel.
- Marques reflects on the serious nature of making tech videos at times.
- He expresses an interest in making more investigative videos.
- Marques hints at other FBI encounters and invites viewers to listen to more stories on his podcast.
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