Queens prosecutors have charged nine individuals, including three men from Long Island, for allegedly stealing over $2.2 million from COVID-19 relief funds by submitting fraudulent grant applications for nonexistent businesses. The defendants claimed the funds were necessary for payroll and rent payments, but instead used the money for personal expenses. This criminal activity was uncovered after an investigation revealed multiple applications submitted by the defendants, leading the Queens District Attorney to seek restitution alongside the charges. The prosecution emphasizes the exploitation of relief programs designed to assist those affected by the pandemic.
"The COVID-19 pandemic caused great hardship for small business owners and their employees. These defendants are accused of intentionally exploiting the state and federal disaster relief programs..."
"The defendants are accused of using the relief grants for personal use and transferring the money into their bank accounts after submitting multiple grant applications."
#covid-19-relief-fraud #legal-charges #queens-prosecutors #small-business-assistance #economic-crime
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