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Prosecutors say Gravesend landlord exploited immigrants in rental scam

December 17, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

The Brooklyn Supreme Court, Criminal Term, at 320 Jay St. Eagle file photo by Rob Abruzzese

The Brooklyn Supreme Court, Criminal Term at 320 Jay St. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Rob Abruzzese

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A Gravesend woman has been indicted on charges of grand larceny and related offenses for allegedly defrauding prospective tenants out of nearly $15,800 through a fraudulent rental scheme.

According to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, the victims included recent immigrants from Ukraine who responded to her apartment listing in a Russian-language newspaper.

“This defendant is accused of exploiting the trust and vulnerability of her neighbors, many of whom are newly arrived immigrants seeking stability in a new country,” District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said when he announced the indictment.

“Her alleged actions not only caused financial harm but also betrayed individuals already navigating immense challenges,” Gonzalez continued. “We are determined to hold her accountable and remind prospective tenants to safeguard themselves by insisting that landlords provide a written lease and avoiding cash payments in rental transactions.”

The defendant, identified as 62-year-old Svetlana Katzevman of Gravesend, was arraigned before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Adam Perlmutter on a 14-count indictment. The charges include fourth-degree grand larceny, petit larceny and first-degree scheme to defraud. Katzevman was released without bail and is scheduled to return to court on Jan. 29, 2025.

The investigation revealed that between Jan. 2022 and July 2024, Katzevman advertised a rental apartment at 1800 Ocean Parkway through Russkaya Reklama, a Russian-language newspaper. Victims reportedly paid cash deposits ranging from $700 to $2,300 for security deposits and rent. In total, 12 victims, all Russian-speaking individuals living or working in Brooklyn, were allegedly defrauded.

Several of the victims recently arrived in the United States from Ukraine. Prosecutors allege that Katzevman offered them discounts, claiming she wanted to assist fellow Ukrainians. However, after collecting the payments, Katzevman allegedly locked the apartment door or otherwise prevented the victims from moving in and refused to return their money. She also failed to provide leases or accept non-cash payments.

Prosecutors outlined several instances of the alleged scheme. On Nov. 13, 2023, a 38-year-old man paid $700 as a deposit, followed by another $700 in rent two days later. That same day, a 60-year-old man reportedly paid $700 for a deposit, then another $700 for rent three days later. In April 2024, Katzevman allegedly collected $1,600 from a 40-year-old man and $2,300 from a 65-year-old woman as deposits and rent. Each victim expected to move into the apartment but was instead locked out and unable to contact Katzevman.