Alleged UWS Grifter Worth $100 Million

The Post reports that the Upper West Side woman accused of running a multi-millionaire consumer fraud scam is worth at least $100 million, "with $6.5 million of it liquid." Federal prosecutors, who say Dina Wein-Reis would buy discounted products from Fortune 500, claiming they would be given away to the needy but actually sold them to retailers for big profits, think she's a flight risk, given her art collection worth $35 million, seven homes, "dozens of bank accounts and a missing, expiring passport." However, the judge allowed her family to post $10 million bail for Wein-Reis: Her husband had begged the judge to let her go, because their "three boys... are falling apart by the day" and a Whitney Museum curator said, "I have always regarded Dina as a person who cared about others." It's unclear if the feds had testimony from her former employees, one of whom claims she "treated people like crap."

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By Jen Chung in News on November 6, 2008 8:54 AM

Comments [rss]

HUGO_MEGO

She is filthy rich and knows all the right neo-libs in the city so she will get away with it. There is nothing that can be done. Her money and connections will shield her.

Mr Mel

I don't believe the fortune came from hustling manufacturers. No way she scammed 100 Million dollars with that con. There has to be more to this story. Either they were monied people for starters or this was blown out of proportion. I'm not saying she didn't hustle people but the one they're accused of is not the basis of their wealth.

FelixtheCat & Christine Quinn'

her bail should have been 50 million

Guest

Her kids are falling apart because she did something that has consequences. Maybe they will learn from this. Or maybe they will become little shits even worse than her. It remains to be seen and all depends on if the judicial system works or is just another puppet of the rich.

Felix Hoenikker

If you boost a $500 car or sell $50 worth of crack you go to jail. Punish her proportionately to the tune of $100M.

Peter

@ r1b2 -

I understand your point, on the other hand legitimate charitable organizations should not find it difficult to establish their bona fide nature.

r1b2

She should get stiff penalties. She benefitted by abusing the goodwill of corporations, goodwill otherwise reserved for non-profits that do real, good work. Her deception and theft make it harder for these charitable organizations to go to the well at these corporation, reducing the amount of goods available.