Broward County authorities have dismantled a sophisticated real estate crime ring, leading to multiple arrests and the recovery of millions in stolen property. The investigation uncovered separate but significant operations involving money laundering through shell companies and elaborate schemes to defraud homeowners.
Mother and Son Duo Arrested for Laundering Prostitution Proceeds
A mother and son have been arrested and charged with money laundering and deriving support from prostitution proceeds. Christopher Jelavic, 48, and his 70-year-old mother, Margareta von Lambert, allegedly used real estate and shell companies to launder earnings from a prostitution business called "Pretty Woman Escorts." Von Lambert, a licensed real estate broker, is accused of facilitating these transactions.
- Criminal Enterprise: Jelavic and von Lambert allegedly operated "Pretty Woman Escorts" as a criminal enterprise engaged in commercial sex since 2000.
- Money Laundering: Court documents reveal they used shell corporations and real estate transactions to launder prostitution earnings, with Jelavic’s accounts receiving approximately $174,000 in prostitution proceeds over a year.
- Real Estate Involvement: Von Lambert allegedly used her real estate license to facilitate money laundering, including the sale of a Tamarac property through one of Jelavic’s shell companies.
- Attempted Evasion: Authorities believe the duo attempted to flee the U.S. to Brazil to avoid prosecution.
Elaborate Real Estate Theft Ring Uncovered
In a separate but related investigation, authorities have arrested four individuals in connection with a $12 million real estate theft ring. The suspects are accused of using fraudulent court documents to unlawfully obtain homes and claim ownership.
- Scheme Details: The suspects allegedly filed lawsuits, falsely claiming property owners no longer wanted their homes due to poor condition. Fake service of process documents were used to redirect legal notices to associates who would then agree to transfer ownership.
- Targeted Properties: At least 14 properties valued at $12 million were targeted. The scheme often preyed on vulnerable individuals, including an elderly widow.
- Key Suspects: Michael Dupree, Tyrone Jones, Yury Domatov, and Inesa Florea have been arrested and face charges including grand theft and filing false documents.
- Discovery: The scheme began to unravel when a property owner in Dania Beach encountered individuals claiming to be the new owners of his home.
Broward County officials have expressed concern about the prevalence of title fraud in the region, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and robust law enforcement efforts to combat these sophisticated criminal operations.
Sources
- Broward County mother and son laundered prostitution money by using real estate and shell companies, court
documents say, CBS News. - Fourth suspect arrested in elaborate real estate theft ring in Broward – NBC 6 South Florida, NBC 6 South Florida.
- Mother-son duo use real estate and shell companies to launder prostitution proceeds, WPLG Local 10.
- 3 suspects arrested in $12M real estate property theft ring in Broward County, officials say, CBS News.