Collins Couple Guilty of $5.7M COVID-19 Fraud

ATLANTA – A metro Atlanta tax preparation business owner and his wife have been unmasked as the greedy architects of a $5.7 million COVID-19 fraud scheme, pleaded guilty to siphoning millions from federal relief programs.

Tiyari Collins, proprietor of Collins Financial Services Group, and Farah Collins were implicated in obtaining nearly $1.9 million through fraudulent SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Impact Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications. Tiyari Collins also confessed to filing thousands of false tax returns that led to a loss of at least $3.8 million for the IRS.

“The fraud here is outrageous,” said U.S. Attorney Kurt R. Erskine, “Tiyari Collins defrauded the federal government during the historic pandemic. It is unconscionable that he and his wife stole from programs intended to support struggling small businesses.”

IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge James E. Dorsey echoed the sentiment: “These guilty pleas are a victory for American taxpayers, but it’s unfortunate criminals continue to abuse funds meant for COVID-19 relief.”

The FBI’s Chris Hacker emphasized the impact on taxpayers: “The Collins family greedily stole government funds intended for small businesses and employees during the pandemic. The FBI will ensure federal funds are used as intended.”

According to U.S. Attorney Erskine, Tiyari Collins submitted fraudulent applications for six PPP loans and five EIDL loans, totaling over $1.9 million, while Farah Collins was involved in four of these applications, receiving approximately $365,000.

RELATED: Tennessee Couple Bleeds TRICARE for $65 Million

RELATED: Oysterman Turner Squeezed for $300K BP Fraud