Cousins Admit to $8.5 Million Rental Scam, Disrupting Nationwide Travel
Two cousins, Shray Goel and Shaunik Raheja, have pleaded guilty to federal charges related to a rental scam that defrauded up to $8.5 million. The scheme involved deceptive listings, double bookings, and last-minute cancellations on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. The operation, which began in 2013, used fake host names and identities to list properties, some with false addresses and fabricated reviews. The scam targeted rental guests, with allegations of racial bias in cancellations, although the cousins did not plead guilty to these specific allegations. The business operated under names like Abbot Pacific LLC and Jet Set Work LLC, with properties listed in cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and Nashville. Goel pleaded guilty to wire fraud, while Raheja admitted to obstruction of justice. Sentencing is scheduled for August and September 2026.