Robert Wisnicki, a lawyer from New York, has pleaded guilty to involvement in an $18.8 million Ponzi scheme. He used his law firms, Wisnicki & Associates LLP and Wisnicki Neuhauser LLP, to entice investors to buy real estate. Wisnicki also pleaded guilty to conspiring to launder money through his law firm’s trust accounts to hide the proceeds of healthcare fraud. He obstructed justice and committed perjury while testifying before a grand jury.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams stated that Wisnicki, despite being an attorney, committed various criminal acts to enrich himself and evade the law. The FBI’s James Smith emphasized the severity of Wisnicki’s actions, given the trust placed in him as a lawyer.
The Ponzi scheme involved Wisnicki’s law firms assisting clients in real estate transactions. He used funds from one client to cover up losses of another and continued this fraudulent activity for several years, owing millions of dollars to various parties.
Additionally, Wisnicki was involved in a money laundering, obstruction, and perjury scheme related to healthcare fraud. He helped launder proceeds from fraudulent medical practices through his law firm’s accounts and fabricated documents to deceive investigators.
Robert Wisnicki pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, potentially facing a maximum sentence of five years in prison for each count. He agreed to pay over $19 million in forfeiture and restitution.
The FBI played a crucial role in investigating this case, which is being handled by the Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit and the White Plains Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
By FCCT Editorial Team