Amer Aldarawsheh, a Customs officer, was indicted for wire fraud after allegedly using phony businesses to secure $150,000 from the SBA's COVID-19 relief fund. Prosecutors accuse him of misleading the SBA regarding the legitimacy of his businesses, neither of which had real operations or employees. Allegations also include that he misappropriated the funds for personal gain. Facing up to 20 years in prison if convicted, Aldarawsheh currently remains out on a $30,000 bond. This case highlights concerns about potential fraud within the SBA's substantial relief program during the pandemic.
Aldarawsheh knowingly misappropriated and misused the EIDL funds he received from the SBA for his own personal benefit.
The Small Business Administration has estimated that, in an effort to more quickly distribute relief, it gave out more than $200 billion in potentially fraudulent funds.
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