Investigation Division Cases

The Investigation Division handles cases that have included international money-laundering schemes, corrupt union and public officials, and organized crime. These offenses are not victimless crimes: among those harmed are hardworking union members, honest investors in the stock market, taxpayers, and all those in business who desire and are entitled to a level playing field. These investigations are part of the office's strategy to eliminate the hidden crime "tax" that raises the cost of goods and services and, if left unchecked, would drive businesses and residents out of the region.

• People v. Dennis Kozlowski and Mark Swartz
  What began as an investigation into the sale of millions of dollars worth of art led to the conviction of Tyco's top two executives , Dennis Kozlowski and Mark Swartz, for stealing over $150 million from the company. The case against these executives created one of the most notorious corporate scandals in recent years.
• People v. Figliolia, Weissman, et al
  Corrupt plumbing contractors in league with several MTA officials embezzled millions of dollars from the MTA.
• People v. A.S. Goldmen & Co.
  Thirty-nine individuals were convicted for running an illegal "boiler room" operation that defrauded investors out of close to $100 million.
• People v. Beacon Hill Service Corporation
  The successful prosecution of Beacon Hill, a Midtown Manhattan-based illegal money transmitter receiving and transferring billions of dollars in offshore transactions, effected substantial regulatory changes in the U.S. and led to the arrest and conviction of dozens of foreign money launderers as well.
• People v. Lucchese Construction Group
  The Lucchese Construction Group, a criminal enterprise run by corrupt contractors, union officials, and members of the Lucchese crime family, violated labor laws so that it could reap huge profits from public and private construction projects.
• People v. Abraham Hirschfeld
  Hirschfeld, a successful businessman, defrauded New York City and New York State of more than $13 million in tax revenue and plotted to kill his long-time business partner.
• People v. John Wilson and Robert D'Avanzo
  The two defendants, senior officials working for the New York State Dormitory Authority, used bid rigging and kickback schemes to steal at least half a million dollars from the Dormitory Authority.
• People v. Duke & Co.
  Duke and Co., a securities brokerage firm with over 34,000 customers nationwide, used "boiler room" schemes to profit handsomely at the expense of its clients, who in some cases lost their entire retirement savings.
• People v. Interior construction companies
  Following extensive investigations by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office into corruption in the interior construction industry, dozens of contractors, architects, and brokers were convicted for various illegal practices that cost their clients millions of dollars.
• People v. Simon and Victor Dedaj
  After eluding capture for months, two brothers affiliated with organized crime were caught and convicted for a brutal double homicide that took place inside the Scores nightclub in Manhattan.
• People v. A.R. Baron
  Baron, a classic example of a "boiler room" operation masquerading as a legitimate securities broker, stole in excess of $75 million from its roughly 8,000 clients before its bankruptcy and subsequent conviction on counts of Enterprise Corruption, Grand Larceny, and other charges.
• People v. 17 individuals and 23 carting corporations
  A successful investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office led to a 114-count indictment and the subsequent conviction of many major players in the carting (waste removal) industry, which had been controlled by organized crime for over 40 years.
• People v. Oxford Capital Securities
  Oxford, a corrupt investment management firm that preyed especially on the elderly, convinced clients that they were making low-risk, high-return investments; in actuality, they were investing in non-existent companies and effectively paying for Oxford executives to buy vacation houses and other luxury items.
• People v. Bank of Credit and Commerce International
  Following convictions of those who orchestrated BCCI's money laundering and other criminal activities, more than $1.75 billion was forfeited or otherwise recovered from BCCI, which at the time was one of the world's largest banks.