Queens Home Stolen from Dying Woman: Two Indicted Under New Deed Theft Law

Allegations of Deed Theft

• 🎯 Two individuals, Deepa Roy and Victor Quimis, have been indicted on multiple felonies for allegedly stealing a dying woman's home in Queens.
• 🏠 The victim, 88-year-old Renuka Berwani, who suffered from dementia, was receiving hospice care at the time of the alleged crime.
• 📜 The indictment alleges that Roy and Quimis forged Renuka Berwani's signature on documents to transfer ownership of the home to themselves in 2024.

Forged Documents and Mortgage Fraud

• ✍️ A forged notary signature from Nassau County was used, followed by additional forged documents to transfer ownership to an LLC.
• 💰 Victor Quimis is accused of taking out a $552,000 mortgage on the property and allegedly stealing over $300,000 after paying off prior liens.
• 💔 The victim's son, Kamal Berwani, who held power of attorney, discovered the alleged theft after opening mail sent to the home.

Scheme and Growing Problem

• 🎭 Deepa Roy allegedly began visiting the victim in 2022, posing as a friend and attempting to gain access to the home.
• ⚠️ Officials state that deed theft is a growing problem, with the New York attorney general emphasizing that perpetrators will be caught.
• ⚖️ If convicted, Roy and Quimis face up to 25 years in prison.
• 🔍 Police are still searching for Deepa Roy, while Victor Quimis has been arrested.