Boston bank manager Alexander Grinis, 47, of Jamaica Plain, copped to federal fraud charges Tuesday after admitting he lied on loan applications to help a co-conspirator steal over $90,000 from Eastern Bank. Grinis pleaded guilty to one count of false statements on loan applications in U.S. District Court, setting the stage for sentencing on August 7, 2019.
Grinis, once trusted with customer accounts at Eastern Bank’s Auburndale branch, abused his position to help Igor Mosieev, 59, of Newton, open fraudulent accounts using another person’s stolen identity. In February 2015, Grinis helped Mosieev set up a checking and savings account using someone else’s Social Security card and license—without that person’s knowledge. He later added the victim’s name to a business account under TFC Enterprises, LLC.
With Grinis’ help, Mosieev forged the victim’s signature on two separate business loan applications. Each time, Grinis certified under oath that bank procedures were followed—knowing full well they weren’t. The loans were approved, and the money flowed into the business account, where Mosieev forged additional signatures to write checks for his personal use.
The theft didn’t stop at local withdrawals. Grinis enabled wire transfers of the stolen funds overseas—to Russia, Canada, and other foreign destinations—all in the victim’s name. Neither loan was ever repaid. Eastern Bank absorbed a loss exceeding $90,000.
Mosieev, originally charged alongside Grinis in June 2018, pleaded guilty on May 3, 2019. Both now face federal justice under a charge that carries up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000—or twice the financial loss, whichever is greater.
The case was announced by U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and FBI Special Agent in Charge Joseph R. Bonavolonta. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura J. Kaplan of the Organized Crime and Gang Unit is prosecuting. Sentencing will be determined by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton, guided by federal sentencing guidelines and statutory factors.
RELATED: Igor Mosieev Pleads Guilty to $90K Business Loan Scam
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Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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