Father-Daughter Duo Accused of Defrauding Miami Beach Homeowner of Over $650,000
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — A father and daughter are facing serious fraud charges after Miami Beach police say they scammed a homeowner out of more than $650,000 by promising luxury home renovations that were never completed. Newly released body camera footage shows the moment officers arrested Krystyna Maistrenko, 25, and her father, William Richmond, also known as Vladimir Maistrenko, 51, at Elite Home Miami, a high-end furniture and interior design business the pair claimed to own.
According to investigators, the victim had hired the duo to provide custom Italian millwork for his upscale Miami Beach property. Over a period of months, the homeowner made multiple large wire transfers to Elite Home Miami LLC, under the impression the funds would be used for materials, labor, and installation. However, detectives say none of the promised work was ever completed. Instead, financial records reviewed during the investigation showed that the funds were allegedly diverted for personal use.
Funds Allegedly Used to Cover Personal Debts
According to the arrest report, the stolen funds were not reinvested into the business or applied to the contracted project. Instead, police say the suspects used the money to:
Cover mortgage defaults
Pay legal fees and foreclosure-related expenses
Settle personal debts
“The investigation clearly established that this was not a business dispute — it was fraud,” a Miami Beach police spokesperson said. “These were deliberate actions designed to deceive and financially harm the victim.”
Attorneys Push Back, Calling Case a “Civil Dispute”
Attorneys for Vladimir Maistrenko are disputing the criminal charges, arguing that the case is being mischaracterized.
“This business dispute is civil – and has no place in criminal court,” said attorneys Brian Bieber and Alek Ubieta in a statement to Local 10 News. “We look forward to all of the facts coming to light in the very near future, and an expeditious resolution to the entire matter.”
Police Seek Additional Victims
As the investigation continues, Miami Beach police believe there may be more victims who were allegedly defrauded by the pair. Authorities are urging anyone who may have had similar dealings with Elite Home Miami or the Maistrenkos to contact Miami Beach Police Department’s Economic Crimes Unit.
Tip Line: Anyone with information or who believes they may have been victimized is urged to call Miami Beach Police at (305) 673-7900 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS.
