A Florida man, known as the 'Wolf of Airbnb,' has been sentenced to over four years in prison for wire fraud in Manhattan federal court. The 32-year-old from Hialeah, Florida, pleaded guilty to defrauding New York City landlords and a federal pandemic-relief government program.
The sentence of four years and three months was handed down by Judge Lorna G. Schofield. In addition to prison time, the defendant was ordered to forfeit $1.7 million and pay $2.2 million in restitution.
Prosecutors revealed that the man operated 18 Manhattan apartments as 'mini-hotels,' failing to pay over $1 million in rent from 2019 to April 2022, citing the pandemic as an excuse. He also obtained government-guaranteed loans intended for small businesses affected by COVID-19.
During the sentencing, it was disclosed that the defendant falsely claimed coronavirus-related hardships to avoid lawsuits from landlords. He misled authorities about his residency and use of the units to exploit tenant protections in New York City, all while residing in Florida and traveling for leisure.
The man had boasted to the media and friends about being the 'Wolf of Airbnb,' drawing parallels to the infamous 'Wolf of Wall Street.' However, his criminal activities caught up with him, leading to the recent sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams emphasized that despite the defendant's self-proclaimed title, justice prevailed, and he was held accountable for his fraudulent actions. The case serves as a reminder that individuals engaging in deceitful and callous behavior will face consequences for their crimes.
