URGENT UPDATE: The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is calling for immediate public assistance to identify potential victims of a man named Igor, who has allegedly used stolen personal identification to fraudulently rent apartments in Los Angeles. Authorities report that this man has already targeted at least two rental properties—one in Hollywood and another in the Larchmont area.
According to detectives from the LAPD’s Commercial Crimes Division, the suspect applied for these rentals using personal information stolen from others. He submitted counterfeit cashier’s checks to property management companies, further complicating the fraud.
“This is a serious crime that can impact many innocent victims,” stated Detective Juan Campos of the LAPD. “We are releasing the suspect’s photo in hopes of finding additional victims who may have been targeted.”
The suspect is described as a Black adult male with dreadlocks and a beard or goatee. Detectives believe there may be other rental and property management firms that have unknowingly fallen victim to his schemes.
Anyone who suspects they may have been victimized or possesses information regarding this incident is urged to contact Detective Campos at 213-486-5995 or via email at [email protected]. For those wishing to remain anonymous, tips can be reported through the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-222-8477 or online at www.lacrimestoppers.com.
This news comes amid a broader trend of rental fraud cases escalating across major cities. As the housing market becomes increasingly competitive, schemes like this put additional stress on both renters and property owners.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops, and share this information widely to help prevent further victimization.
