De Niro Dad's Estate Targeted in 'Fraud'

4 months ago 20th Jul 03:35

A former art dealer at the centre of a multi-million dollar fraud inquiryhas been hit with new charges - including ripping off the estate of Robert De Niro's late father.

Lawrence Salander, an ex gallery owner, is accused of swindling millions from investors and clients, and was charged with grand larceny, securities fraud, forgery, falsifying business records, and perjury in March (09).

vigorously defend against these charges in court

Salander was released on bail but surrendered to authorities earlier this week (begs12Jul09) to face fresh charges of grand larceny in relation to claims he pocketed more than $1 million (£666,665) from the sale of paintings by Robert De Niro, Sr. without passing the money on to his estate.

Salander pleaded not guilty when he appeared at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York on Tuesday (14Jul09).

His lawyer Charles Ross has stated Salander will "vigorously defend against these charges in court".

De Niro, Sr. died of cancer in 1993 aged 71.