“New Yorkers were building their businesses as food vendors when Mohamed Orabi allegedly took advantage of their limited knowledge of local regulations to scam them out of thousands of dollars,” said District Attorney Bragg. “This is an ongoing investigation – if you have been scammed, please call our office’s Immigration Affairs Unit hotline at 212-335-3600 or via WhatsApp at 347-371-0877. Interpreters are available to assist non-native English speakers, and we encourage all to reach out regardless of immigration status.”

“Access to affordable housing in Manhattan is scarce. These defendants scammed the system to illegally increase the prices of affordable apartments that were meant for income-qualified tenants,” said District Attorney Bragg. “These individuals are now facing accountability for their corrupt acts as developers, including paying restitution and creating new affordable units. We will continue to zero in on bad actors who scam New Yorkers looking for accessible housing or defraud the systems meant to help them.” 

-“Elhadji Sene was sentenced to significant time in state prison for stealing the identities and hard-earned money of countless individuals and for unlawfully possessing a loaded firearm. I hope today’s sentencing sends a message that people who steal the identities of vulnerable New Yorkers will be held accountable,” said District Attorney Bragg. “If you are a victim of identity theft, please call us at 212-335-8900.”

“Charde Baker abused her position as a city shelter employee to orchestrate a scheme that defrauded funds intended for vulnerable, unhoused New Yorkers and others for personal profit,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Her conduct diverted funds from a vital pandemic-era program meant to support individuals during a difficult period of widespread fear and economic uncertainty. I commend our prosecutors for securing this conviction and ensuring Baker is held accountable as she faces prison time.” 

“A woman thought she was buying a home with her boyfriend, when, allegedly, he stole approximately $272,000 of her hard-earned money. We allege that Brandon Kiehm crafted a relationship on a web of lies, preying on his girlfriend’s trust again and again,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Romance scams are all too common, and our office is here to prosecute egregious conduct like this. This is an ongoing investigation – please call us at 212-335-8900 if you may be a victim.”