A Portland couple, Sergey and Galina Lebedenko, were sentenced to federal prison for stealing $34 million from a former client. The couple owned and operated a local chauffeur and limousine business that evolved into Astra Car Service, LLC. Sergey was responsible for driving while Galina managed the company’s financial affairs.
The court sentenced both Sergey, 54, and Galina, 49, to 57 months in federal prison with an additional three years of supervised release. The restitution amount they owe will be determined later.
Court documents reveal that the Lebedenkos met their victim in 2007 when Sergey began providing regular driving services. By 2018, this service expanded significantly with Galina taking on various personal tasks for the victim and their partner without any formal written agreement or contract. In 2013, an invoice showed rates of $90 per hour for driving and $60 per hour for other services. However, beyond this single invoice, no logs or detailed billing information were provided.
The fraudulent activities led to the theft of approximately $34 million over seven years. On one occasion in 2023 alone, they charged the victim's credit card 17 times totaling $17,900 for minor tasks like picking up prescriptions and meals.
The stolen funds financed a lavish lifestyle including purchasing multiple properties and luxury items such as vehicles and gold bars. A Final Order of Forfeiture has been issued against these assets pending sale to potentially compensate the victim.
In January 2024, the couple faced charges related to wire fraud and money laundering followed by an indictment from a federal grand jury in February 2024 on conspiracy charges related to these crimes. They pleaded guilty on October 25th of the same year.
This case was investigated by FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation teams with prosecution handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meredith D.M. Bateman and Andrew T. Ho from Oregon’s District Office; forfeiture proceedings are managed by Assistant U.S Attorney Katie C de Villiers.