New York: A crew of New York City strippers scammed wealthy men by spiking their drinks with illegal synthetic drugs, then driving them to strip clubs that ran up tens of thousands of dollars on their credit cards while they were too wasted to stop it, authorities said on Wednesday.

A banker and a real estate attorney were among four victims who lost at least $US200,000 ($212,874). None was identified by name in court papers.

Samantha Barbash, centre, is escorted by police following her arrest in New York. Police allege Barbash is part of a crew of New York City strippers who scammed wealthy men by drugging them before charging extravagant bills. Credit:AP

Drug Enforcement Administration and New York Police Department investigators arrested four women — all described as professional strippers — earlier this week on charges including grand larceny, assault and forgery, according to papers provided to The Associated Press.

One of the women was expected to appear in state court in Manhattan later on Wednesday following appearances on Tuesday by the other three, including suspected ringleader Samantha Barbash.