DENVER, CO – A federal grand jury has indicted two Denver-area forklift companies and their top executives in a scheme to defraud the U.S. government and avoid import tariffs on Chinese-made forklifts.
According to court documents, the indictment was returned on August 21, 2025, charging Endless Sales Inc., Octane Forklifts Inc., executives Brian Firkins and Jeffrey Blasdel, and former executive J.R. Antczak. The defendants are accused of conspiring to import forklifts from China, disguise their origin, and fraudulently market and sell them to federal agencies, including FEMA and the Department of Defense, as U.S.-made products.
The indictment further alleges the companies and individuals collaborated with an unnamed Chinese national and manufacturer to falsify invoices, undervalue the forklifts, and avoid over $1 million in tariffs, duties, and fees. Firkins, Blasdel, and Antczak also face additional wire fraud charges, while Blasdel is separately charged with making false statements to the government.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated the scheme “undermines our economic and national security,” emphasizing the Justice Department’s commitment to accountability. Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater added that hiding product origins and avoiding tariffs constitutes fraud against taxpayers.
The charges stem from a joint investigation by several federal agencies, including the U.S. Army Criminal Investigative Division, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and others. The Westminster Police Department also provided support.
If convicted, the individuals face up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines for each count of wire fraud. Additional charges carry potential five-year prison terms and similar fines. The companies face fines of up to $500,000 or double the gain or loss associated with the offenses.
The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division, through its Procurement Collusion Strike Force, is prosecuting the case. Those with relevant information are encouraged to contact the Strike Force at www.justice.gov/procurement-collusion-strike-force.
