Man accused of swindling elderly woman out of her home sues to be recognized as owner

[Kamaji]

Real estate developer accused of swindling elderly woman out of her home sues to be recognized as owner

By Kathianne Boniello and Georgett Roberts
July 29, 2023

A real estate fraudster accused of conniving his way into owning a Harlem brownstone now worth $2 million is asking a court to recognize him as the legal owner of the allegedly pilfered property — while its elderly owner cannot be found.

In 2012, Joseph Makhani targeted a dilapidated three-story house on West 118th Street, while its owner collected cans in the street, according to authorities and neighbors.

Makhani, 60, is accused of using forged deeds and other fraudulent paperwork to take the home — claiming to offer owner Veronica Palmer a mere $10 she never even got.

The home, which the developer renovated and converted into apartments, now generates about $12,000 a month in rent.

Makhani was hit with a seven-count indictment in July 2021 by state Attorney General Letitia James, accused of mortgage fraud and ripping off homeowners such as Palmer, now 81.

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Source:  https://nypost.com/2023/07/29/accused-real-estate-conman-joseph-makhani-back-in-court/