BALTIMORE – A Maryland man has pleaded guilty to a COVID-19 fraud scheme that collected $1. 3 million in emergency benefits.
The CARES Act, enacted in March 2020, provided emergency monetary assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. It expanded states’ ability to provide unemployment insurance to many employees affected by the pandemic, adding staff who were ineligible for unemployment benefits.
Njokem and his accomplices collected identifiable data on victims, without their wisdom or consent, and then used it to file fraudulent claims for unemployment insurance benefits in various states.
In total, those affected claimed at least $1,313,325 in fraudulent benefits.
Njokem faces between 24 and 70 months in federal prison and his sentencing is scheduled for May 17.
Anyone with allegations of attempted fraud related to COVID-19 can report it to HSI by calling HSI’s hotline at 866-347-2423. HSI’s information line is open 24 hours a day.