US EditionThe Clock Is Ticking Down on COVID Fraud Investigations
- In March 2024, the House passed legislation extending the timeframe for investigators by five years to continue pursuing nationwide criminal cases related to fraud stemming from the pandemic unemployment benefits.
- This legislation was enacted in response to estimated combined state and federal fraud losses ranging from $100 billion to $135 billion, while some independent analysts believe the true amount could be as high as $400 billion.
- California reported losing $55 billion to scammers, opened over 2,000 investigations, arrested hundreds of suspects, and recovered about $6 billion, roughly 11 percent of losses.
- Paul Eckloff, retired U.S. Secret Service agent, warned the stolen billions fund illicit narcotics, human trafficking, and threats to financial and national security by criminal groups.
- Experts predict most stolen funds are unrecoverable, and failure to punish fraudsters likely means ongoing crime and continued targeting of state programs nationwide.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Press-Telegram
The clock is ticking down on COVID fraud investigations
For all of the five-year remembrances of COVID-19, few have paused to recall the cyber smash-and-grab that hoovered billions of dollars out of state unemployment offices. Inmates in California grabbed thousands of dollars from prison library computers. Government-aligned Russian and Chinese crime gangs did the really heavy lifting, making off with billions more. The Government Accountability Office estimates total state and federal losses to be …
The Epoch Times
The Constitution Study14 People Charged in $25 Million COVID Relief, Small Business Loan Fraud Scheme
Fourteen people were arrested on May 28 for allegedly being involved in a scheme to fraudulently obtain over $25 million in COVID-19 relief funds and federally guaranteed small business loans, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ). The individuals are among the 18 people charged in connection with the case. Four who have not yet been arrested are currently believed to be in Armenia, the DOJ said in a statement. All of them are facing char…
14 people arrested in alleged $25M COVID-19 relief and small business loan fraud scheme
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced that 14 people have been arrested for allegedly stealing over $25 million in COVID-19 relief funds and federal small business loans.
NEWS HEADLINES: 14 people arrested in alleged $25M COVID-19 relief and small business loan fraud scheme – One America News Network – U-S-NEWS.COM
A seal for the Department of Justice is seen on a podium (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) OAN Staff Abril Elfi 2:55 PM – Saturday, May 31, 2025 The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced that 14 people have been arrested for allegedly stealing over $25 million in COVID-19 relief funds and federal small business loans. According to Homeland Security Investigations Los Angeles Acting Special Agent in Charge John Pasciucco, two feder…
Massive fraud at Covid-19 in Los Angeles: a network involving Armenians in the disbanded diaspora for a $25 million hijacking 14 people arrested following complaints that more than $25 million in VOCID-19 aid and small business loans have been fraudulently obtained; https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/14-arrested-complaints-alleging-more-25-million-covid-19-relief-and-small-business Office of the Attorney General of the Republic of Armenia - Ne…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 71% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
Ownership
To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage
