Nir Meir Wiki, Age, Net Worth, Wife, Kids, Parents & More

All About NYC Property Developer Nir Meir 

Nir Meir (born January 1975, age 49) is a former New York property developer currently facing serious legal troubles. On February 7, 2024, he was indicted for allegedly running complex schemes that swindled investors out of more than $86 million since 2015.

Meir’s situation worsened in southeastern Florida when he was arrested on February 5, 2024, following a warrant from New York state. The Miami-Dade police confirmed his arrest, uncovering a web of deception involving investors, contractors, and city authorities.

On February 1, 2024, Meir filed for bankruptcy in Florida, disclosing debts nearing $30 million, including a disputed $626,000 debt to Benny Shabtai, an American-Israeli tycoon, and substantial amounts owed to credit card companies.

Court documents depict Meir’s dire financial situation, with reported assets of only $50, a sharp contrast to his previous lavish lifestyle. He used to reside in a luxurious beachfront property in Miami before his legal troubles arose.

The $86 Million Fraud Scheme

Nir Meir, along with other notable real estate figures, has been implicated in an elaborate fraud scheme accused of swindling a whopping $86 million from investors.

This notable case centers around the XI, a luxurious condominium project in the heart of Manhattan. The controversy involves HFZ, a significant real estate company established by Ziel Feldman in 2005, collaborating with Omnibuild in 2015.

Together, they aimed to create two sophisticated towers with a mix of commercial and residential spaces along Chelsea’s popular High Line.

Allegations Against Nir Meir 

Prosecutors claim that Nir Meir, who once held a significant role in HFZ Capital Group, a real estate company, diverted funds originally designated for a major Manhattan project.

Instead of using the funds for the intended Manhattan venture, Meir allegedly directed them towards two companies under HFZ’s control. These diverted funds were then used to fill financial gaps in unrelated HFZ projects. Shockingly, some of the money even found its way into personal accounts held by HFZ executives, resulting in a substantial shortfall exceeding $37 million.

As HFZ’s financial issues came to light through lawsuits, concerned investors sought a closer examination of the company’s financial records. To conceal the truth, Meir is accused of instructing an HFZ accountant to create fake bank account statements, falsely portraying millions in investor funds that were actually depleting rapidly.

In a surprising turn, prosecutors reveal that Meir went so far as to inflate an account statement, showing $24.6 million, while the actual balance was a mere $814. This deceptive tactic left investors completely unaware of the true state of their investments.

Adding complexity to the situation, prosecutors allege that, under Meir’s influence, HFZ failed to pay sufficient property taxes in 2018, 2019, and 2020. This alleged tax evasion is said to have defrauded the City of New York of more than $15.6 million.

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Nir Meir Relation with Ex-wife Ranee Bartolacci

Nir Meir and his ex-wife, Ranee Bartolacci, were known for their extravagant lifestyle. They built a luxurious beachfront mansion in the Hamptons, later bought by Robert Kraft, the owner of the Patriots football team, for a whopping $43 million.

However, their life took a dramatic turn when Bartolacci accused Meir of reckless behavior during financial troubles. She claimed he was drinking excessively, partying, borrowing large sums from her father, and being verbally abusive. Text messages and voicemails provided as evidence showed Meir’s deteriorating situation as debts and legal problems piled up.

Bartolacci sought a divorce from Meir and aimed to separate herself from the legal mess caused by failed projects of HFZ, where Meir was a principal. Despite Meir’s denial of Bartolacci’s claims, some allegations were found credible by the court.

Meir faced legal action from his former partner, Ziel Feldman, who blamed him for the downfall of HFZ. Feldman alleged Meir engaged in deceptive practices, which Meir denied.

After losing his job at HFZ, Meir moved his family to a lavish rental in Miami Beach. Following an eviction, Bartolacci went to live with her parents, where they discovered legal troubles involving judgments and contempt orders.

In Miami, Meir’s extravagant spending habits included buying fine wine, gold, chartering private jets and yachts, and staying at luxury hotels like the Four Seasons. Allegations even suggested he spent large sums at a strip club.

Amid legal battles and disputes, tensions escalated, with Meir making threats and displaying volatile behavior in text messages.

In the divorce proceedings, Bartolacci accused Meir of owing her father money and neglecting child support while living a luxurious lifestyle.

Nir Meir Early Life

Nir Meir, born in January 1975 in New York, United States, is a 49-year-old individual with a rather private early life. Information about his family is scarce, but it is known that he spent his formative years in Southampton.

After finishing college in 1997, Meir entered the world of real estate. He swiftly climbed the professional ladder, eventually becoming a partner at HFZ Capital Group. However, his journey took a troubling turn when he faced allegations of orchestrating a complex scheme, accused of diverting millions of dollars from the bustling streets of New York.

In a surprising twist, Meir later moved to sunny Miami, where he led a life of luxury until his arrest in February. Despite living in a digital age, Meir has maintained a low-key profile, avoiding a presence on social media.

Nir Meir FAQs

Ques: From where is Nir Meir?

Ans: He is originally from New York but was living in Miami when arrested.

Ques: What is Nir Meir’s net worth?

Ans: He filed for bankruptcy in Florida on February 1.

Ques: How old is Nir Meir?

Ans: Nir is 49.

Ques: Who is Nir Meir Ex-wife?

Ans: Ranee Bartolacci.