BROOKLYN, NY — A Queens man has been indicted for allegedly orchestrating a $7 million real estate fraud scheme by forging documents to sell a Sunset Park property without the knowledge of his business partners, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced Friday.
Wing Fung Chau, 53, of Bayside, was arraigned in Brooklyn Supreme Court on multiple charges including two counts of first-degree grand larceny and three counts of first-degree falsifying business records. He was ordered held on $10,000 cash bail or $100,000 bond and is scheduled to return to court on June 4, 2025.
Key Points
- Wing Fung Chau, 53, indicted on grand larceny and falsifying business records charges.
- Chau allegedly forged signatures to sell a $7.2M Sunset Park property without partners’ consent.
- Investigation began after the corporation president’s attorney alerted the District Attorney.
According to prosecutors, Chau was one of three shareholders in 37-19 Realty Inc., which owned a 25% interest in the property at 6208 8th Avenue. Chau allegedly entered into unauthorized contracts, forged corporate signatures, and filed false documents to facilitate the sale of the property.
District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant allegedly attempted to steal approximately $7 million using forged documents and false filings,” emphasizing the commitment to protecting property owners from fraud.
Forged documents used to finalize multimillion-dollar sale
Investigators allege that at the November 18, 2021 closing, Chau alone represented 37-19 Realty and presented several forged documents: a false agreement from the corporation’s president consenting to the sale, a false termination from a prior buyer, and a fraudulent letter from the corporation’s accountant.
Prosecutors said Chau then transferred the sale proceeds into bank accounts under his sole control, withdrawing almost all of the money within eight months. None of the funds were distributed to the other corporate shareholders.
Attorney’s tip led to investigation
The fraud came to light after the corporation’s president, who was unaware of the sale, had her attorney contact the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, triggering the investigation that led to Chau’s indictment.
Authorities stated that real estate fraud remains a growing concern as property values continue to rise sharply across Brooklyn.
A Queens man faces serious charges after allegedly forging documents to steal millions in a Brooklyn property sale.
