A Texas man has admitted to his involvement in an international scheme that generated over $10 million by selling fake market survey data, according to U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan.
Ryan Stoudt, 39, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. His sentencing is set for June 25, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Landya B. McCafferty.
Court records indicate that Op4G and Slice were market research firms based in New Hampshire and Illinois. These companies maintained panels of individuals who could take surveys on behalf of clients seeking market research insights. Stoudt worked at Op4G before joining Slice.
In 2014, Frank Hayden and Daniel Harriman decided to boost company revenues by fabricating survey responses. Stoudt later joined the plan. The group recruited people known as “ants” who posed as legitimate survey takers but were actually paid small amounts to submit false data. Some conspirators also acted as “ants,” completing large numbers of fraudulent surveys themselves and receiving substantial payments.
To avoid detection, the conspirators provided instructions to each other and the “ants.” These included guidance on answering screener questions, how long participants should spend on surveys, and recommendations to use virtual private networks (VPNs) to hide their real IP addresses.
From 2014 through early 2025, Op4G and Slice billed clients more than $10 million for work containing fraudulent survey data. In recent years, approximately 90% of both companies’ revenue came from this false data.
According to prosecutors, the charge carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss—whichever is greater. Sentencing will be determined by a federal judge using relevant guidelines and statutes.
The FBI led the investigation into the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is handling prosecution efforts.
Frank Hayden pleaded guilty on February 2, 2026; his sentencing is scheduled for May 12, 2026. Daniel Harriman pleaded guilty on February 24, 2026; he will be sentenced on June 15, 2026.
