Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York | Department of Justice
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced on May 5 that Vladimir Sklarov has been indicted on charges related to an alleged scheme involving fraudulent stock-backed loans totaling at least $450 million. Sklarov was arrested in Chicago and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge M. David Weisman in the Northern District of Illinois. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres in the Southern District of New York.
According to prosecutors, Sklarov operated Astor Asset Group from around 2021 through at least 2024, presenting it as a legitimate provider of stock-backed loans with ties to the prominent Astor family. Authorities allege these claims were false and that Sklarov used fabricated affiliations and misleading representations to defraud a victim identified as Victim-1 out of valuable company shares.
“As alleged, Vladimir Sklarov represented his company to be affiliated with, and have the financial backing of the famed New York Astor family in order to burnish his brand,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “That was a complete lie. Sklarov used false prestige to gain control of hundreds of millions of dollars in stock and then liquidated those shares for his own benefit. We urge investors in all sectors of the market to beware of fast talkers and smooth talkers who hide behind prestigious labels and cosmetic signs of wealth and access. And refer fraudsters, pretenders, and cheats to the SEC, FINRA, the FBI, and the DOJ. Our Office will continue to protect the integrity of the markets by pursuing bad actors who abuse trust and exploit others.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr., said: “Vladimir Sklarov allegedly betrayed a trusting victim to steal more than $450 million in company shares… The FBI is committed to investigating fraudsters looking to selfishly profit.”
The indictment alleges that after persuading Victim-1 with false promises—including that their shares would not be sold unless there was a default—Sklarov quickly sold those shares once they were transferred as collateral for a supposed loan funded by capital from the Astor family; no such loan materialized for Victim-1.
Sklarov faces one count each for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud itself, and conspiracy to commit money laundering; each charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years if convicted.
Clayton praised what he called outstanding investigative work by federal agents involved with this case.
Prosecutors remind that all charges are allegations only; Sklarov is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
