Two cousins admit to a double-booking rental scam to steal $8.5 million. Airbnb blasts 'bad actors'

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Two cousins have admitted to federal crimes tied to a nationwide rental scheme that netted up to $8.5 million and relied on deceptive listings, double bookings and last-minute cancellations, according to federal prosecutors.The two men, Shray Goel, 37, of Calabasas and his cousin Shaunik Raheja, 36, of Denver, primarily targeted rental guests perceived to be Black for cancellations, according to the federal superseding indictment, although they did not plead guilty to that allegation.The short-term rental strategy was launched in 2013 and involved an online business to list properties on digital platforms, which reportedly included Vrbo and Airbnb.“Airbnb is built on trust, and bad actors have no place in our community.

We supported the US Attorney’s Office and the FBI throughout their investigation to help ensure those responsible are held accountable, and we are thankful for their work.We have taken multiple steps to strengthen our defenses to help make rare issues like this even rarer,” an Airbnb spokesperson said.

Vrbo did not immediately respond to a request for comment.The business created by Goel and Raheja operated under various names, including Abbot Pacific LLC and Jet Set Work LLC, according to prosecutors.Properties included listings across Southern California and cities including Chicago, Dallas, Denver and Nashville.Goel pleaded guilty to wire fraud and Raheja pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice, according to the U.S.

Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.California A convicted bank robber awaits sentencing after pleading guilty in a nearly $1-million fraud scheme that targeted Southern California surfers.From October 2017 to November 2019 the defendants used fake host names and other people’s identities to list properties, according to prosecutors.

In some cases they listed properties using false or nonexistent addresses and pos...