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Embezzlement Scheme Unfolds in Ohio
COLUMBUS, Ohio – In a shocking turn of events, Ahmed A. Sh. Ahmed, 43, of Gahanna, has pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to embezzling funds from the Ibn Taymiyah Masjid and Islamic Center (ITMIC) on Mock Road in Columbus.
According to court documents, Ahmed used his position of trust to embezzle funds from the religious organization. Specifically, Ahmed wrote unauthorized checks from ITMIC’s accounts to himself. Each year from 2015 through 2018, Ahmed increased the amount he embezzled, writing himself $4,500 in checks in 2015; approximately $11,000 in checks in 2016; $12,900 in checks in 2017; and approximately $21,000 in checks in 2018.
Furthermore, Ahmed spent thousands of dollars of ITMIC funds to pay his own personal credit card bill and towards the purchase of his own personal vehicle. This brazen scheme has left the community reeling and sparked calls for increased transparency and accountability within the Islamic center.
But Ahmed’s crimes didn’t stop there. The defendant also defrauded the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority’s housing choice voucher program. From 2014 until at least 2020, Ahmed submitted false claims to obtain housing subsidies he would not otherwise qualify for given his true income and assets.
As part of his plea, Ahmed will pay more than $37,400 in restitution to the Islamic center. Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Making and submitting false claims are federal crimes that carry a potential maximum sentence of up to five years in prison.
The case against Ahmed serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability and the devastating consequences of embezzlement. As the investigation continues, the community remains vigilant, demanding answers and action from those in power.
Defendant: Ahmed A. Sh. Ahmed
Criminal Charges: Wire fraud, submitting a false statement, and making a false statement
City and State: Columbus, Ohio
Date: (No specific date mentioned in the source)
Sentence: Ahmed will pay more than $37,400 in restitution to the Islamic center; up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud; up to five years in prison for making and submitting false claims
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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