Park Slope businessman slammed with charges of fraud, conspiracy

December 3, 2015 Meaghan McGoldrick

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The owner of an optical store in Park Slope and the owner of a medical equipment dealership have been dealt a 148-count indictment for allegedly pocketing more than $3 million from financial institutions for purported purchases of medical supplies, announced District Attorney Ken Thompson on Wednesday, December 2.

According to Thompson, the defendants — Maksim Grinberg, 43 and Steven Schuster, 59 – allegedly submitted false information and fraudulent documents to leasing companies and, instead of buying eye care equipment, pocketed the funds (Schuster taking four percent of each transaction, and Grinberg making off with the rest).

Grinberg and his estranged wife, Diana Gets (who, along with Grinberg, was charged with conspiracy), owned DM Optical Inc. (also known as D&M Optical Inc.), as well as 9^th Street Vision Center, both operating out of 332 Ninth Street. Schuster owns MKM-Medical Supplies, a dealership specializing in selling medical equipment, including instruments for eye care and eye care examinations.

Grinberg is said to have used the funds on lavish trips and shopping sprees.

“This long-running scheme allegedly took advantage of banks and leasing companies as well as of hard-working doctors whose identities were stolen so they could be listed as loan guarantors,” said Thompson. “We investigated this brazen scam, put an end to it and will now hold those responsible accountable.”

The defendants face up to 25 years in prison if convicted on the top count.