Israeli Loan Modification Scam Operators Plead Guilty To Targeting Elderly People In Poor Health

A father and son team of Israeli loan modification scam operators pleaded guilty to scamming old people in poor health. Herzel Meiri and his son, Amir pled guilty Tuesday to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud.

Federal prosecutors allege the father and son team fraudulently induced distressed homeowners to sell their homes to a company they owned and controlled.

Herzel and Amir Meiri pleaded guilty to defrauding distressed homeowners throughout the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens from 2011 through 2015.

Amir Meiri apparently didn’t make the scam operation a secret. Websites like New Economy NY were reporting on the Meiri’s shenanigans as far back as 2013.

The Meiris promised elderly homeowners that they could assist them with foreclosure relief that could save their homes. However, the Meiris deceived them into selling their homes for less than the homes’ actual values to Launch Development LLC. The Meiris owned and operated Launch Development.

In addition, the Meiris induced the homeowners to engage in a short sale to Launch Development.

The Meiris assured homeowners they could remain in their homes throughout the entire process.

As a result of the short sale, the Meiris kicked the homeowners out of the houses. Launch Development resold many of the homes, which were purchased at fraudulently deflated prices, for an enormous profit.

Herzel Meiri and his son both pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The sentence also carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of $1,000,000. Meiri and his son also consented to forfeit $6,469,291.41 and 31 real properties.

The Israeli loan modification scam operators have a sentencing hearing on July 27, 2018.