By Meyer Wolfsheim

Konrad Bicher, a self-proclaimed “Wolf of Airbnb,” was sentenced on Monday to more than four years in prison after pleading guilty to a fraud scheme involving the illegal subletting of over 18 Manhattan apartments. Bicher, 32, generated more than $1.1 million in rental income from these unlawful “mini hotels” between July 2019 and April 2022, NY Post reported.

Additionally, he fraudulently obtained over $565,000 from the U.S. government’s COVID-19 relief program, according to federal prosecutors.

Bicher’s elaborate scheme involved exploiting tenant protection laws enacted during the pandemic to prevent evictions. While landlords were unable to evict tenants due to these protections, Bicher continued to rent out their properties, profiting handsomely from his illegal activities. Court documents reveal that Bicher was well aware of the unethical nature of his actions and had plans to expand his fraudulent operations.

In a text message to a partner dated April 20, 2020, at the height of the pandemic, Bicher wrote, “Now bro I will become evil,” indicating his intention to intensify his scheme. In subsequent messages, he callously declared his intentions, saying, “I will rape every single landlord in NYC” and “Every landlord now is gonna be f—–ddddd.” These messages highlight Bicher’s blatant disregard for the law and the financial harm he inflicted on numerous landlords.

Bicher’s social media presence further showcased his audacious lifestyle. He posted photos of private jet rides and lavish vacations, portraying an image of wealth and success while simultaneously defaulting on rent payments to Manhattan landlords. He adopted the moniker “Wolf of Airbnb” as a nod to the 2013 film “The Wolf of Wall Street,” which depicted the rise and fall of Jordan Belfort, a notorious stockbroker and fraudster. Bicher saw himself as a similar figure, reveling in his perceived financial prowess while committing fraud.

Despite his high-profile lifestyle, Bicher faced the consequences of his actions in Manhattan federal court. He declined to speak before Judge Lorna G. Schofield delivered his sentence. Bicher pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud as part of his scheme and was sentenced to 51 months in prison. In addition to the prison term, he was ordered to forfeit more than $1.7 million and pay over $2.2 million in restitution. Following his release from prison, Bicher will be subject to three years of supervised release.

This is not Bicher’s first brush with the law. He has two prior convictions, including a 2015 incident where he impersonated a landlord to collect rent he was not entitled to receive. His attorney had urged the court for a lighter sentence, citing Bicher’s family circumstances, including his six-month-old daughter and stay-at-home wife. However, the court determined that the severity of his crimes warranted a substantial sentence.

The case against Bicher highlights the vulnerabilities within tenant protection laws that can be exploited by individuals with fraudulent intentions. It also serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of engaging in deceptive practices for personal gain. Bicher’s story underscores the importance of upholding the law and the potential repercussions of flouting it for financial profit.

As Bicher begins his prison sentence, he leaves behind a trail of financial destruction and a tarnished reputation. His actions have not only impacted landlords but also undermined the integrity of programs designed to protect individuals during a global pandemic. The “Wolf of Airbnb” now faces the reality of his crimes.