Washington AG Charges Two In Foreclosure Rescue Scam

The Washington State Office of the Attorney General Rob McKenna has filed criminal charges against a Bellingham, Washington mortgage broker and his wife in what investigators have called a foreclosure rescue scheme to get title to a local couple’s home, according to an article in The Bellingham Herald. The state has accused Peter and Julia Torkild of theft, forgery, money laundering and use of proceeds of criminal profiteering in connection with the scheme to acquire the victims' home.

Based on the information in the article, it appears that the impetus for the criminal charges in this case was a civil lawsuit, and an investigation conducted in connection therewith, that was brought by the victims against the Torkilds last May. For all the details, see Mortgage broker faces crime charges (Couple allegedly schemed to get Lummi Island home).

If any resident of the State of Washington thinks they may have been defrauded in a mortgage or other financial transaction, contact the Washington Department of Financial Institutions ("DFI"): (360) 902-8811; or go here for Online Complaint Filing with the Washington DFI.
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