A dozen people have been indicted on mortgage and “green loan” fraud charges, as part of scheme that targeted homeowners across Southern California.
Per the California Attorney General’s Office, the total of the crimes amounts to $15 million over the course of six years, while additional victims may have yet to be identified.
The O.C. Registers reports that the 12 defendants are: Tamara Dadyan, Richard Ayvazyan, Artur Ayvazyan, Grigor Tatoian, Andranik Petrosyan, Arshak Bartoumian, Artashes Martirosyan, Lilit Malyan, Lubia Carrillo, Rosa Zarate, Estephanie Reynoso, and Vanessa Bell. Eleven of the defendants have pleaded not guilty, with the remaining defendant due back in court for arraignment on May 18.
The 133-count grand jury indictment alleges that the defendants exploited the Yrgene Energy Fund and Renew Funding, companies that provide funding to contractors for energy-efficient home improvements. The group allegedly used false identities to get mortgage loans from banks and lenders, according to the Attorney General’s Office.
Collectively, the group faces charges ranging from mortgage fraud and grand theft to identity theft, money laundering and conspiracy.
LAPD issued a Tweet noting if you believe you were a victim of the scheme or have additional information that could be helpful to investigators, please call 213-486-6979.