Texas Man Admits to $1.5 Million Deed Fraud Scheme Involving Properties in 4 States

An empty piece of land might seem like an easy real estate investment opportunity, but for unsuspecting property owners across the country, those plots of land became targets in an alleged $1.5 million deed fraud scheme carried out by four men posing as the landowners.Moshe Levi, 61, of Carrollton, TX, has admitted to helping carry out the plan, which involved impersonating property owners, arranging fraudulent sales, and laundering the proceeds, federal prosecutors announced this week.On Wednesday, Levi pleaded guilty in a Boston federal courtroom to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The fraudulent property sales totaled more than $1.5 million, according to prosecutors. Levi was one of three people indicted in July 2026. According to court filings, Levi and his alleged co-conspirators targeted vacant, unencumbered properties in Massachusetts, Georgia, Indiana, and Tennessee.“Mr. Levi deeply regrets his conduct,” Levi's attorney, Ian Gold, tells Realtor.com®. “The plea represents an important step toward accountability to the victims and society.”How the deed fraud scheme workedThe scheme hit home for Halla Shami Jaraki, who owns a vacant lo...