Robert Wisnnicki, an attorney operating in New York, pleaded guilty to two significant crimes. First, he was involved in an $18.8 million Ponzi scheme through his law firms, Wisnicki & Associates LLP and Wisnicki Neuhauser LLP. In this scheme, he lured investors into purchasing real estate, but when investors suffered losses, he used funds from other clients to conceal these losses. Second, Wisnnicki conspired to commit money laundering using his law firm trust accounts to hide the proceeds of healthcare fraud, during which he obstructed justice and committed perjury when testifying before a grand jury.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams stated that Wisnnicki committed a range of criminal acts, flouting the law to enrich himself and even resorting to obstructing justice and perjury. He now faces the possibility of a substantial prison sentence and must pay millions in forfeiture and restitution.
FBI Assistant Director James Smith noted that Wisnnicki’s actions were particularly egregious as they betrayed the trust placed in him as an attorney. The FBI is committed to prosecuting individuals who take advantage of victims for their personal gain.
If you believe you are a victim of these crimes, you are encouraged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI and reference this case.
The charges against Wisnnicki include orchestrating a Ponzi scheme through his law firms, using clients’ funds to mask losses. He continued this fraudulent activity until at least 2022, owing millions to various clients, both family and non-family.
Additionally, Wisnnicki was part of a scheme to exploit no-fault insurance laws by fraudulently controlling medical professional corporations. The proceeds from this healthcare fraud were laundered through his law firms. When subpoenaed, Wisnnicki, along with others involved, submitted fabricated documents, lied to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and committed perjury before a grand jury.
Wisnnicki has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, each carrying a maximum sentence of five years in prison. He agreed to pay forfeiture of $19,010,548.06 and restitution of $18,800,000 as part of his plea agreement.
The FBI, along with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, is handling this case through the Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit and the White Plains Division.
By FCCT Editorial Team
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