MIAMI – Florida officials announced the arrest of a South Florida man for his alleged role in a real estate investment scam.
According to the Florida Office of Financial Regulation, 52-year-old Marko Dejanovic represented himself as a real estate developer, investor, and lender.
Recommended Videos
Authorities say Dejanovic promised his victims high rates of return on investments, and that he sought money from potential investors through what officials called a social club, and by word of mouth.
He used counterfeit investment documents, letters and emails from legitimate financial institutions, authorities said. He also presented his victims investment contracts that offered unrealistic returns, according to a release.
Officials also said Dejanovic offered investments in historical Petchili Chinese bonds.
Once he obtained funds from his victims, instead of investing the money, Dejanovic used it to fund his lifestyle, according to authorities.
“It is shameful when people defraud hard-working members of our community,” said Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. “I am very proud of the partnership my Economic Crimes Unit prosecutors have with the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Investigative and Forensic Services, and the Office of Financial Regulation. Together, we will continue to investigate thoroughly any criminal activity by fraudsters like Marko Dejanovic and prosecute them to the furthest extent of the law.”
Officials say Dejanovic’s victims lost more than $377,000 due to his scheme.
Rundle’s office is prosecuting the case, according to Thursday’s release.