Wednesday, May 04, 2011

Sale Leaseback Peddling Scam Among Accusations Facing Florida Couple Pinched With Multiple Fraud, Racketeering Charges

In Holly Hill, Florida, WFTV Channel 9 reports:
  • Holly Hill police say they arrested a woman who tried to sell a nursing home that wasn't hers. Investigators say the woman took hundreds of thousands of dollars from several victims. The alleged mastermind, Vidya Bhoolai, is from Trinidad and immigration officials are trying to determine her status in the U.S. They're also investigating her entire family, who officials say played a role in the scheme surrounding a house.

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  • Amber Moore thought Bhoolai could save her home from foreclosure when Bhoolai offered to purchase it with an option for Moore to lease the home after they made a deal. "She knew the story of the home and the sentimental value that it holds to us and just took everything that I had," Moore said.
  • Moore says she gave Boohlai $20,000 over the past year. "I hope she gets the worst thing that can happen to her. I hope she has nightmares every night," Moore said.
  • Bhoolai was finally caught after the State Attorney's Office received a tip from a victim. Police completed an 11-month long investigation and arrested Bhoolai and [ex-husband Steve] Sahadath. Both suspects face numerous charges of fraud and racketeering.
  • The two are in jail, both with a bond of over $100,000. However, they cannot get out of jail until immigration officials determine their status.

For the story, see Cops: Woman Made Thousands Off Properties She Didn't Own.