My office secured an indictment against four individuals and three companies on charges of grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property and other crimes for allegedly stealing three homes from their rightful owners in the neighborhoods of Kew Gardens Hills, Queens Village and Jamaica Estates.
As alleged, the four defendants acted in concert to target properties, forge documents, file false instruments and ultimately steal the homes, collectively valued at over $3 million.
The crew surrendered to my Detectives Bureau this week and were arraigned for their alleged roles in the deed fraud scheme that spanned from March to July 2023. A total of $403,000 in funds was recovered and seized by my office as part of this investigation.
Property ownership is a fundamental right and we work to protect that right in this borough.
My Housing and Worker Protection Bureau investigates and prosecutes bad actors who often think they can get away with stealing the most valuable asset of Queens residents.
If you think you may have been a victim of deed theft or mortgage fraud, email HousingWorkerProtection@queensda.org or call 718.286.6673. We're here to help.
My top priority will always be keeping you and your loved ones safe.
In Friendship,
Melinda Katz
Queens District Attorney
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