Anna Sorokin

ABOUT

Anna Sorokin, widely known by her alias Anna Delvey, is a Russian-born con artist who infamously posed as a wealthy New York socialite. Known for her fraudulent activities, Sorokin convinced some of New York City's elite that she was a German heiress with a substantial trust fund. Her schemes and the details of her high-life deceptions have captivated public attention, leading to extensive media coverage, a Netflix series, and a reflection on the culture of wealth and deception.

BEFORE FAME

Born on January 23, 1991, in Domodedovo, Russia, Anna Sorokin moved with her family to Germany at the age of 16. Raised in a working-class family, her father initially worked as a truck driver before transitioning into an executive role at a transport company. Sorokin studied at Central Saint Martins in London but left before completing her degree. She later moved to Paris and worked as an intern at the French magazine "Purple." It was during her time in Paris that she began using the name Anna Delvey.

TRIVIA

Anna Sorokin's elaborate scam included creating fake financial documents and using unsecured loans to fund her opulent lifestyle. She stayed at luxury hotels, dined at pricey restaurants, and rubbed shoulders with influential individuals. Sorokin's story drew significant public interest, leading to articles in major publications such as New York Magazine. Her life and criminal antics inspired the Netflix series "Inventing Anna," released in February 2022, produced by Shonda Rhimes.

FAMILY LIFE

Anna Sorokin’s parents, who live modestly in Germany, reported that they had no involvement in her fraudulent activities and were unaware of the extent of her deceitful lifestyle. Throughout her trial, they expressed disappointment but remained relatively distant from the media frenzy surrounding their daughter.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Anna Sorokin's story involves interactions with figures in New York's art and fashion scene. Notably, she engaged with Neffatari Davis, a concierge who worked at the 11 Howard hotel in SoHo and later testified at her trial. Rachel DeLoache Williams, a former Vanity Fair photo editor, became one of her most vocal victims and penned a book titled "My Friend Anna," recounting her experience with the scammer.

Sorokin's tale has achieved a cult-like status in modern pop culture, symbolizing both the audacity and peril of living a life built on deceit. Her case has sparked discussions regarding the lengths to which individuals may go to achieve social and financial success and the vulnerabilities within society that enable such deception.