PPP Loan Scam

⏱ 2 min read

Gurjeet Bath, a 37-year-old Fresno man, has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for his role in a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan scam. Bath, who operated two trucking businesses in Fresno County, applied for and received three PPP loans totaling over $1 million in 2020 and 2021. However, he falsified records to inflate his businesses’ employees and their wages, and then used the funds to purchase two parcels of agricultural land in Fresno County.

Bath’s scheme was uncovered by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), with assistance from the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General. He pleaded guilty to the charges on May 27, 2025, and has since repaid the stolen funds. In addition to his prison sentence, Bath was also ordered to pay a $100,000 criminal fine.

The case highlights the abuse of pandemic relief programs by individuals seeking to exploit the system for personal gain. U.S. Attorney Eric Grant noted that Bath’s actions were particularly egregious, given the timing and purpose of the PPP loans. The FBI and SBA will continue to pursue those who have abused these programs, said FBI Sacramento Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel.

Bath’s sentence reflects the seriousness of his crimes and the commitment of law enforcement agencies to holding accountable those who abuse programs meant to help communities in times of crisis. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Barton.