Brooklyn Woman Indicted for Rental Scheme

By Y.M. Lowy

A Brooklyn woman has been indicted on charges of grand larceny and fraud after allegedly stealing nearly $16,000 from unsuspecting prospective tenants.

Svetlana Katzevman, 62, is accused of exploiting individuals, many of whom were recent immigrants from Ukraine, by advertising a rental apartment in Gravesend, Brooklyn, in a Russian-language newspaper.

Between January 2022 and July 2024, Katzevman allegedly took security deposits and rent payments from 12 victims, ranging from $700 to $2,300, for an apartment located on Ocean Parkway. 

After receiving the money, Katzevman allegedly changed the locks and prevented the victims from moving in, while refusing to return their payments.

Renters should always get a written lease and avoid paying in cash.

Katzevman has been released without bail, with a court date set for January 29, 2025.