Marat Lerner, Mortgage Fraud, New York 2024

Marat Lerner, a former president of Lerner Group, a company that claimed to provide debt relief services, was sentenced to 135 months in prison for his role in a massive mortgage fraud scheme that targeted vulnerable individuals in Brooklyn.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, Lerner was convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and continuing to commit a crime while on pre-trial release. The scheme, which lasted from 2010 to 2014, involved Lerner and his associates promising to help clients reduce their monthly mortgage payments, but instead, they stole over $2.5 million from the victims.

Lerner used the stolen funds to finance his own lavish lifestyle, including purchasing a luxury car, paying for online dating services, and dining at expensive restaurants. He also continued to commit crimes while on pre-trial release, even after his initial arrest.

‘Today, the defendant learned that there are serious consequences for stealing from his clients, even after his arrest,’ said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace. ‘His victims were hardworking individuals, many of whom were immigrants from Eastern Europe who came to him for help to save their homes and livelihoods. Instead of helping them, Lerner exploited their trust and vulnerability to steal their money.’

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting the public from unscrupulous consultants like Lerner, who prey on vulnerable individuals for their own gain.

Lerner’s victims included many who were already struggling financially and had specifically sought his help to reduce their monthly mortgage payments. He promised to work with their lenders to secure a lower payment, but instead, he funneled their money into his own pockets.

‘Lerner stole $2.5 million from vulnerable clients and drove some of them to bankruptcy after he diverted their money to fund his own lavish purchases,’ said FBI Assistant Director James E. Dennehy. ‘He betrayed the trust of his victims, callously continuing to use this scheme even after his initial arrest. Thanks to the continued support of the NYPD and CBP, the FBI remains committed to investigating crimes committed by individuals who use empty promises to enrich themselves at the expense of socially vulnerable groups.’

Lerner was ordered to forfeit approximately $2,340,154 to the government, and the amount of restitution for his victims’ losses will be determined at a later date.

The case was investigated by the FBI, with assistance from the NYPD and CBP. Lerner was represented by defense attorney ,

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