Anna Delvey what did she do to become one of the most infamous con artists in New York? She posed as a wealthy heiress, deceiving luxury hotels, banks, and high-society elites into funding her extravagant lifestyle. From unpaid five-star hotel stays to forging financial documents for a $22 million loan, Anna Delvey’s scams shocked the world. Her deception eventually caught up with her, leading to her arrest, trial, and conviction in 2019. Today, she remains a controversial figure, still making headlines. This article uncovers the full story of Anna Delvey what did she do, and where is she now?
Who Is Anna Delvey?
Anna Delvey was the persona adopted by Anna Sorokin, a Russian-born woman who moved to Germany as a teenager before making her way to New York City. She pretended to be a rich European heiress with access to a multimillion-dollar trust fund, gaining entry into Manhattan’s elite social circles.
Her ability to project wealth and sophistication allowed her to scam hotels, banks, and wealthy friends out of thousands of dollars. She convinced high-profile figures that she was establishing an exclusive members-only art foundation, the “Anna Delvey Foundation.”
What Did Anna Delvey Do?
Anna Sorokin, under the fake identity of Anna Delvey, orchestrated an elaborate series of frauds between 2013 and 2017, racking up unpaid hotel bills, forging financial documents, and tricking friends into covering her luxury expenses.
Here’s a breakdown of how she scammed people and institutions:
- Luxury Hotel Scams
- She stayed at five-star hotels in New York, such as the 11 Howard and the Beekman, without paying.
- She convinced hotel staff that wire transfers from her European “trust fund” were coming, leaving thousands in unpaid bills.
- Fake Bank Loans
- She attempted to secure a $22 million loan for her fake art foundation by forging financial records.
- She convinced an investor to cover legal and due diligence fees, promising reimbursement that never came.
- Conning Friends
- She tricked a friend into covering a $62,000 vacation to Morocco, claiming her bank was having trouble processing payments.
- She repeatedly borrowed money from people she met in social circles but never paid them back.
- Fraudulent Check Scheme
- She deposited fake checks into her accounts and withdrew money before they bounced, stealing over $100,000.
- She also used fraudulent means to book private jet flights.
How Did Anna Delvey Get Caught?
Despite her well-crafted deception, Anna’s unpaid debts caught up with her. Luxury hotels and financial institutions began noticing her checks bouncing and bills remaining unpaid. Eventually, a friend she had conned—Rachel DeLoache Williams reported her to the authorities.
In 2017, she was arrested in a sting operation, and her lavish lifestyle unraveled.
Anna Delvey’s Trial and Conviction
In 2019, Anna Sorokin was found guilty of multiple counts of theft and fraud. She was convicted of:
- Grand larceny in the second degree
- Theft of services
- Attempted grand larceny
She was sentenced to 4 to 12 years in prison, fined $24,000, and ordered to pay $199,000 in restitution.
However, in 2021, she was released early for good behavior but was later detained by U.S. immigration authorities for overstaying her visa.
Where Is Anna Delvey Now?
After her release, Anna capitalized on her infamy. Her story inspired Netflix’s “Inventing Anna,” based on journalist Jessica Pressler’s article in New York Magazine.
Currently, she remains under house arrest in New York City, still leveraging her notoriety for media opportunities. She has discussed launching a podcast, writing a memoir, and pursuing a career in the art world.
Final Thoughts
Anna Delvey’s story is a cautionary tale of deception, ambition, and the power of perception. Her ability to manipulate New York’s elite highlights how appearances can be deceiving, even among the wealthy.
Would she have gotten away with it if she had played her cards differently? That remains a mystery.
What do you think about Anna Delvey’s actions? Let us know in the comments!