America
Indian national charged with fraud in New York
New York, May 22
An Indian national along with
two other people was charged with conspiracy to trick distressed
homeowners into selling their residences and reaping millions of dollars
through the fraud.
Rajesh Maddiwar, Mario Alvarenga and Amir
Meiri were presented in Manhattan federal court before US Magistrate
Judge Kevin Fox on Thursday.
They each face a maximum sentence of 20 years, the New York Daily News reported.
“These defendants manipulated and took advantage of vulnerable people,†said Manhattan US Attorney Preet Bharara.
The
three sent out mailers and used telemarketers to promote their devious
company, "Homeowner Assistance Services of New York".
The
victims, most of whom were on the verge of foreclosure, contacted the
firm and met with Alvarenga, who would propose they short-sell their
home to a third party called Launch Development.
The victims were
assured they could stay in the home during the entire process, and that
the property would be resold at a discount to a trusted relative within
90 days.
Maddiwar, calling himself an attorney, would then get
the victims to sign closing documents, some of which were blank,
authorities said.
Then Meiri would show up and evict the victims from their homes.