A man and a woman were taken into custody Wednesday after Miami Beach police alleged they defrauded a homeowner out of more than $600,000 for luxury Italian millwork that was never delivered. Instead, investigators say, the money was funneled toward their personal debts.
The suspects were identified as 25-year-old Krystyna Maistrenko, originally from Russia but now living in Sunny Isles Beach, and 51-year-old William Richmond. Both face felony charges of running an organized fraud scheme and grand theft exceeding $100,000.
Police reports show the pair operated under the company name Elite Home Miami LLC, with a listed address on Biscayne Boulevard in North Miami Beach. According to detectives, Richmond introduced himself to the victim using a false name, “Vladimir Maistrenko,” while negotiating the project.
The Alleged Scheme
The homeowner first met the two in 2023 to discuss custom Italian woodworking for his residence. Authorities said the suspects claimed the materials had to be imported from Europe, where demand was high, requiring large advance payments to secure a production slot. They even offered the client a 3% discount if he paid the full cost upfront.
The victim ultimately wired the following amounts:
- $515,000 on Oct. 25, 2023
- $77,350 on Nov. 16, 2023
- $61,302 on Dec. 21, 2023
In total, the victim sent roughly $653,652, according to police. The work was supposed to begin with deliveries between February and May 2024 and finish by June of that year. None of those deadlines were met.
By October 2024, the suspects allegedly issued yet another invoice for nearly $100,000, which the homeowner refused to pay. He reported the suspected fraud to Miami Beach police later that month.
Where the Money Went
Investigators said bank records revealed the transfers were never used for the promised renovations. Instead, funds were diverted to cover loans, credit card balances, and more than $253,000 toward a mortgage default tied to Maistrenko. Detectives also noted that payments went to foreclosure-related expenses and legal fees.
Arrest and Charges
On Wednesday, officers located both suspects in North Miami Beach and arrested them. As of Thursday, they remained at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. Richmond is being held on a $75,000 bond and was ordered to surrender his passport, while Maistrenko’s bond was set at $50,000.
