COVID-19 fraud on Long Island: See who's been charged and how much was stolen
Prosecutors said the defendants spent money from fraudulently obtained COVID relief loans on vacation homes, luxury watches and cars, cryptocurrency and nights out in Manhattan. Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto/Kameleon007
At least 31 residents of Nassau and Suffolk counties have been arrested for bilking federal and state business-relief programs, according to a Newsday analysis of court cases.
More than $98 million was fleeced in 2020-23 from programs, such as the Paycheck Protection Program loans, COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans, Employee Retention Credit and the $800 million COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program, the analysis shows.
Here's a list of the local residents who have been arrested, what they've been charged with and updates on their cases.
James T. Madore writes about Long Island business news including the economy, development, and the relationship between government and business. He previously served as Albany bureau chief.
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