Federal authorities have arrested 14 individuals in reference to a wide-ranging scheme that allegedly defrauded U.S. COVID-19 aid packages and small enterprise mortgage initiatives out of greater than $25 million.
The arrests stem from two federal legal complaints filed within the Central District of California, which identify 18 defendants in whole, together with 4 people believed to be in Armenia. The alleged crimes embody conspiracy to defraud the federal government, wire fraud, financial institution fraud, cash laundering, and structuring monetary transactions to keep away from reporting necessities.
Amongst these arrested:
- Vahe margaryana.ok.a. “William McGrayan,” 42, of Tujunga, allegedly orchestrated the scheme, directing co-conspirators to submit false mortgage purposes supported by phony monetary paperwork, together with fabricated tax returns.
- Sarkis Gareginovich Sarkisyan37, a.ok.a. “Samuel Shaw,” of Glendale, is accused of acquiring over $700,000 in Paycheck Safety Program (PPP) funds by a pretend enterprise.
- Mery Babayan32, of Van Nuys, and Hovannes Hovannisana48, of Panorama Metropolis, allegedly collaborated with Margaryan to defraud a financial institution out of $3 million by a sham enterprise sale.
- Felix Parker77, of North Hollywood, allegedly secured $2 million utilizing false statements and fraudulent tax paperwork for a shell firm.
- Aksel Markaryan47, a.ok.a. “Axel Mark,” of Pacoima, is charged with fraudulently acquiring greater than $5 million in SBA loans and laundering funds to Armenia.
Regulation enforcement officers seized $20,000 in money, money-counting machines, a number of digital gadgets, loaded firearms, and containers of ammunition through the operation.
“Right this moment’s enforcement motion is meant to ship a message to all criminals who benefit from authorities packages designed to assist those that want them most,” stated United States Legal professional Invoice Essayli.
Federal officers emphasised that small companies and pandemic aid packages stay a prime precedence for prosecution when abused. The investigation was led by SBA-OIG, IRS Legal Investigation, HSI, and the El Camino Actual Monetary Crimes Job Pressure.
The circumstances are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Main Frauds and Cyber and Mental Property Crimes Sections.
