Two cousins, Shray Goel and Shaunik Raheja, have admitted to federal crimes tied to a nationwide rental scheme that used deceptive listings, double bookings, and last‑minute cancellations to net as much as $8.5 million.

Facing platform bans after complaints, the defendants allegedly used fake accounts and reposted listings under fresh identities to continue operations and minimize negative feedback.

The operation began in 2013 under multiple company names, including Abbot Pacific LLC and Jet Set Work LLC, listing properties across Southern California and other cities such as Chicago, Dallas, Denver, and Nashville.

The scheme reportedly handled more than 10,000 reservations and generated over $8.5 million in revenue, with alleged discrimination against guests perceived as Black leading to cancellations.

The racket involved listing the same property multiple times on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, canceling non‑profitable bookings, and directing guests to alternate locations with misleading explanations about issues like plumbing or maintenance.

From 2017 to 2019, they used fake host names, forged or nonexistent addresses, and fabricated reviews to make listings appear legitimate, employing a bait‑and‑switch, double‑booking strategy.

Sentencing for Goel could reach up to 20 years in federal prison, Raheja faces up to 10 years, with hearings scheduled for mid‑August and September, respectively, by U.S. District Judge Wesley L. Hsu.

Goel pleaded guilty to wire fraud, Raheja pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice, with Raheja admitting to making false statements to federal agents in 2023.