Phoebe Gates, the daughter of Microsoft founder Bill Gates, is alleged to have earned illegal income through her startup "Phia," putting her at risk of up to 20 years in prison.

​Operativ Media reports that U.S. lawyer Ariel Givner stated on his social media account, citing a Bloomberg investigation, that the corporate entity's internal correspondence confirms Phoebe Gates' involvement in the company and the collection of commission fees for fake sales.

The lawyer noted that setting up affiliate files to obtain commissions on unrealized sales is classified as federal wire fraud under U.S. law. Such actions can carry a maximum penalty of 20 years' imprisonment, as well as monetary fines and restitution.