Lisa Schiff, the art consultant who defrauded her clients of more than six million dollars in New York

The art consultant Lisa Schiff he pleaded guilty electronic fraud in federal court Manhattanafter being accused of defrauding her clients for a sum of 6.5 million dollars.

Skiffwho have worked with famous people, including renowned collectors such as Leonardo DiCapriois a distinguished consultant in the contemporary arthelping clients acquire pieces from renowned artists. However, authorities revealed that he diverted money intended for the purchase jobs use of money to finance a a luxurious lifestyle.

During his hearing, Skiff54, has admitted robbing at least 12 clients between 2018 and 2023, including artists, galleries and estates, respectively The New York Times. As part of his plea deal, he agreed to come back around 6.4 million dollars. In addition, he faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prisonwith the sentence recorded for January 17th.

according to Damian Williamsthe prosecutor of the southern district of New York, Lisa Schiff again breaking the trust of his clients by using their money. These resources were allocated for construction approx 55 works of artbut instead of fulfilling his duty, Skiff He used them to pay off his own debts and pay for his an opulent lifestyle.

“Instead of using his clients’ money as he promised, Skiff “He used the stolen money to live extravagantly,” he said. Williams.

The fraud came to light in 2022, when Candace Carmel Barascha real estate heiress and a personal friend of his Skiffwith her husband, Michael Baraschhe filed two lawsuits. In one of them, Barasch and another collector, Richard Grossmanthey said the consultant didn’t pay them 1.8 million dollars due to the sale of a painting by the famous Romanian artist Adrian Ghenie.

Based on these complaints, there are more 40 unitsincluding collectors, galleries and other artists, having filed similar claims against the consultant, published the New York Post.

Schiff, linked to figures such as Leonardo DiCaprio, diverted money from her clients to a lavish lifestyle instead of buying art.

Lisa Schiff For years he was a famous person in the world of Scotland contemporary artwith clients who trusted their knowledge and good judgment valuable works. Your company, Schiff Fine Arts (SFA)known for her ability to acquire pieces from renowned artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat y Damien Hirst.

Even the media had celebrated collaboration Skiff together with his clients, including the creation of thematic exhibitions in the residences of collectors such as Candace Barasch.

But, behind that facade of success, the consultant was running a multi-million dollar scam. According to the F.B.Ithere were two main tactics in the scheme. In some cases, he sold works of art without telling their clients that the pieces were sold, keeping the money. In others, he simply purchased art commissioned by his clients, taking money away to cover his personal expenses.

Further investigation revealed that Skiff debts had accumulated around him 7 million dollarswhich forced her to express herself bankruptcy in January 2023. Among the creditors were the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS)on which he had more than million dollarsas well as different tax groups of New York.

Schiff sold art without contacting clients and did not make commission purchases, accumulating $7 million in debt before declaring bankruptcy.

A lawyer from Skiff, Randy Zelinsure his client has been willing to take responsibility for her actions and repair the damage done. “Lisa “She has accepted that she made mistakes and is committed to correcting them,” he said. Zelin.

Despite the seriousness of the charges, his defense hopes that the judge will J. Paul Oetken pay attention not only to the crimes, but also to his desire to correct his bad crimes, and his desire to return, at some point, to the world of the worlds. until.

“It is not easy to face the potential of a prison sentencebut Lisa “He has decided not to run away from this challenge,” he said. Zelin. “She is willing to face the consequences and look for a second chance. “We are a city that values ​​stories of redemption.”

As part of the process a bankruptcyare programmed auctions of personal works of art Skiff to pay your creditors. The auction house Phillips of New York She will be in charge of selling pieces from her collection, including works by artists such as Damien Hirst, Judy Chicago y Nan Goldin.

These sales will begin on November 20 and are expected to last for several months, as confirmed The New York Times.