Luxury squatters: criminals settle in million-dollar mansions in Beverly Hills

Beverly Grove Place - near Beverly Hills - is an area known for being home to the rich and famous. Everyone from LeBron James to Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have built and purchased homes there. However, now the name of this area is becoming known due to reports and demands of squatters who have settled in an abandoned mansion.

The luxurious home had been for sale since August 2023 for $4.6 million. Its last (legal) tenant was Munir Uwaydah, a Lebanese American orthopedic surgeon (although he was listed on the paperwork as his partner, a chiropractor named Paul Turley).

As reported by Curbed, an aspiring actor named Morgan Gargiulo created a false rental agreement to establish himself in the property (without legal repercussions) and prevent eviction by the authorities (he lived with his fiancée and a select group of friends). The mansion was used to hold large parties where tickets were charged for between $500 and $1,500 (it even rented rooms for between $150 and $300 per night).

Neighbors began to complain about late-night music and drug use every day of the week. One of them stated in the neighborhood group: "Welcome to California. Thank you liberals."

However, despite complaints from the surrounding owners, Gargiulo defended himself with his false lease contract.

Police intervention took years to arrive

In January of this year (after demands from neighbors) the eviction procedure began, reaching an agreement with the owner (who is involved in a fraud scandal). Finally, Gargiulo left the home in February.

Although California law makes it illegal for homeowners to occupy homes without a lease, there is an "adverse possession" statute that allows them to claim property if they prove they have lived there for five years continuously.

The home invasion crisis takes hold in the US

The Beverly Grove Place case highlights that the home invasion crisis has been brewing in the nation for years. Recently, states like Florida have taken steps to curb the chaos. Governor Ron DeSantis signed a law to protect homeowners.

The state legislature unanimously passed House Bill 621, which will allow the Police to expel the invaders (those who do not have a rental contract) immediately, and in addition, they would have to face criminal sanctions (previously the owners had to go through a long judicial process to be able to evict them).

Likewise, some time ago, in a press conference, the chief of the Santa Rosa Milton County (Florida) Police Department, Robert Johnson, told city residents what they should do in case his private property is being invaded: "You can shoot. In fact, we prefer that you do":

Owners' options "are limited"

In statements to Voz Media, the lawyer specializing in criminal law, Jorge Silva, warned of the concern that this should generate in society, since it is due to the pressure and political manipulation to which judges and legislators are subjected, who end up giving in to the pressure of not leaving a person homeless.

Likewise, he stated that every owner should be concerned, since if the tenant wishes not to pay the rent, the options the owner has to be able to claim his payments or evict the tenant are limited.

To prevent this type of situation from happening, lawyer Silva recommended securing the homes with locks and alarms if they are unoccupied or charging additional months' of rent in advance if they are rented.