Here’s a crime story you don’t see everyday.
Three men have been arrested for allegedly forging deeds to Massachusetts real estate, “selling” the properties to unsuspecting buyers, and laundering the proceeds.
According to the U. S. District Attorney’s Office, the men selected vacant property’s owned by people who live out of state.
They allegedly forged the necessary documents (driver’s licenses, passports, etc.), listed the real estate with licensed agents, and managed to rake in over $1.5 million in illicit funds.
The three defendants and their charges are as follows:
- Moshe Levi, 57, of Carrollton, Texas, was charged with wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy;
- Kyon James, 44, of Middleboro, Mass. was charged with money laundering conspiracy; andÂ
- Bradley Beauge, 41, of Somerset, N.J., was charged with money laundering conspiracy.
The men face up to 20 years in prison.
A fraudulent deed cannot convey real estate. So the properties’ owners are most likely not at a loss. But the buyers who collectively handed over $1.5 million are probably not so lucky.