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6 indicted in PR over $9M Pandemic Fund fraud scheme

A federal grand jury in Puerto Rico has indicted six individuals, including a banker, for their alleged involvement in a fraudulent scheme to obtain $9 million in government pandemic relief funds. Photo: Getty Images
VI CONSORTIUM

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico- A federal grand jury in Puerto Rico has indicted six individuals, including a banker, for their alleged involvement in a fraudulent scheme to obtain $9 million in government pandemic relief funds.

The US Attorney's Office announced on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, that the suspects face charges including wire fraud and money laundering.

US Attorney Stephen Muldrow commented on the case, saying, "This case demonstrates the brazenness with which the defendants took advantage of federal programs meant to help businesses that were severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic."

According to authorities, the suspects submitted more than 270 loan applications between April 2020 and April 2023, using falsified identification, tax documents, payroll records, and bank records to illegally secure federal recovery funds. The funds were intended to aid businesses struggling due to the pandemic.

In response to the alleged scheme, officials revealed that the US government has seized nearly $850,000 of the proceeds from an unnamed bank where one of the suspects was employed. The investigation into the fraud is ongoing, with further actions anticipated as authorities work to hold those responsible accountable and recover the misappropriated funds.

12 Responses to “6 indicted in PR over $9M Pandemic Fund fraud scheme”

  • Only in the BVI (07/04/2023, 14:29) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    People with power and in Power doing what they want all the wrongs snd not being held accountable..
  • guy hill (07/04/2023, 14:41) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    These people will push their grand mothers and fathers in front a moving vehicle for money.
  • Rubber Duck (07/04/2023, 14:49) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    $9 million?

    Amateurs compared with our robbers
    • to Rubber Duck (07/04/2023, 15:33) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
      You mean compared to the UK who gave out million dollar contracts to companies belonging to their friends who never did business in that area before like sell PPP etc. Then block all attempts to conduct a COI.
      • ok (08/04/2023, 10:06) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        Ok but where is their leader today? He was fired and that’s the difference. They are called to account for their corruption but we want to turn a blind eye to ours. When comparing to the UK, ensure you do a full comparison!
    • @Rubber duck..U funny.. (07/04/2023, 19:48) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      Say it again, say it louder. What we have here are Pros at Robbing the treasury with schemes and tricks..
  • close to home (07/04/2023, 15:31) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    so at least when ( if) we wver catch up with those who defrauded and claim aid money and grant money from pur own coffers, no one can be blaming to COI or any other form of pinning blame on Colonial masters....usa and puerto rico showing us what rightfully happens to those who steel. !!!
  • Tortola (07/04/2023, 16:05) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    How many indited in Tortola?
  • OUTTA DEH WOODS (07/04/2023, 18:26) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    BVI NEXT
  • Help (07/04/2023, 19:53) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    We need some help over here too please. Like someone said, $9 Mill is chump change to the heist pulled off on this side of town..
  • Arrion (07/04/2023, 20:11) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    They don't have anything on TRUMP! He was indicted for much more, and he will walk free. These amateurs will surely go to prison.
  • Wow hmm (08/04/2023, 17:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    What is next


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