Summitbridge Wealth Management LLC and Arna Premier Property Solutions have filed a lawsuit against a group of companies and individuals accused of orchestrating a fraudulent real estate investment scheme. The complaint was filed on January 9, 2026, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, targeting defendants including Lighthouse Estates LLC and several other entities and individuals associated with them.
The plaintiffs allege that the defendants engaged in a Ponzi-style scheme to defraud private money lenders by soliciting funds under false pretenses for real estate acquisitions and renovations. Instead of using the funds as promised, the defendants allegedly diverted incoming lender funds to repay other investors and cover operational shortfalls. The plaintiffs claim they are at risk of losing over $1 million due to these fraudulent activities. The complaint highlights how defendants, led by Van Laurence Barker, misrepresented facts about property conditions, failed to record liens properly, and used misleading communications to lure investors into their scheme.
The lawsuit seeks various forms of relief from the court. The plaintiffs are asking for an order to prevent further dissipation of assets through a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction. They also seek compensatory and treble damages under RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act), along with costs and attorneys' fees. Additionally, they request an accounting of all funds received by the defendants since the start of their operations, as well as the appointment of a receiver or special master to oversee enterprise bank accounts.
The case is being handled by attorneys Taimur Alamgir and Matthew Daidola from TA Legal Group PLLC. It is presided over by judges from the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York under Case ID 2:26-cv-00141.