Although it took nearly four years, authorities eventually collected enough information to arrest Sorokin and charge her with numerous criminal counts related to fraud and theft. As reported by People, authorities estimate Anna Sorokin stole approximately $275,000 in cash, products, and services, between 2013 and her arrest in 2017. She was ultimately convicted on eight criminal counts, which included first-degree grand larceny, second-degree grand larceny, third-degree grand larceny, and theft of services. She was subsequently sentenced to four to 12 years in prison and ordered to pay $199,000 in restitution and $24,000 in fines.

Although there is much interest in how Sorokin managed to commit such an elaborate fraud, with little means, it is also interesting to delve into where she came from and what her life was like before she moved to the United States. A native of Domodedovo, Russia, Anna Sorokin was born on January 23, 1991. People reports Sorokin spent the vast majority of her childhood and teens living in the Moscow suburb. However, in 2007, when she was 16 years old, the family moved to Germany.

Contrary to Anna’s stories about being an heiress, Anna’s father, Vadim, worked as a truck driver when they arrived in Germany. Although he eventually opened his own heating and air conditioning business, and Anna’s mother owned and operated a small convenience store, The U.S. Sun reports the family is not and never has been extraordinarily wealthy.