The illustrious New York dining scene often makes headlines; this time, the attention is due to allegations of unpaid rent against Zhan Petrosyants and Marianna Shahmuradyan at Trump World Tower. According to a lawsuit filed Monday in Manhattan Supreme Court, as reported by Crain's New York, nearly $122,000 is owed in unpaid rent for a luxury apartment in the prestigious building.

Not only have the restaurateurs faced scrutiny over their financial practices, but connections with influential city politicians are also coming to light. The Osteria La Baia, owned by Shahmuradyan, is frequented by Mayor Eric Adams, a detail brought to the public eye following a 2022 investigation by The New York Times. Shahmuradyan was residing in the apartment with Zhan, acting as guarantor, since October 2021, and allegedly ceased to pay rent in April. The lawsuit now seeks to reclaim the unpaid amount plus interest, with further legal actions pending.

Meanwhile, a separate legal web entangles another Adams associate, Frank Carone, a top adviser to the mayor. A federal indictment uncovered by a POLITICO report, points to a complex, alleged insurance fraud scheme involving Carone's company, Financial Vision Capital Group II. The indictment accuses three individuals of conning over $10 million via fraudulent no-fault auto insurance claims. While Carone has not been charged with any crime, his firm is named in a civil lawsuit by GEICO for purportedly aiding such a scheme.