ATLANTA, GA – Austin Martin Siampwizi, 46, of Atlanta, has pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering conspiracy, admitting to his role in a scheme to wash dirty money stolen from pandemic-era unemployment benefits. The feds say Siampwizi and his crew profited while millions of Americans were genuinely suffering, exploiting a system designed to be a lifeline.
The scheme centered around fraudulent claims filed with the Washington Employment Security Department (ESD) during the height of the COVID-19 crisis. These claims weren’t legitimate; they were built on the stolen identities of over 50 victims. Siampwizi then allegedly took the fraudulently obtained unemployment insurance (UI) benefits and converted them into cash through the purchase and cashing of hundreds of money orders. It was a calculated effort to conceal the source of the illicit funds.
“Criminals used the COVID-19 pandemic to financially benefit while millions of Americans were suffering,” stated U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Money launderers, like Siampwizi, assisted others in committing underlying offenses in reaping the benefits of these crimes. Our office is devoted to bringing such individuals to justice.” The feds aren’t just targeting the money launderers, but the entire network of criminals who preyed on the pandemic.
But the fraud didn’t stop with unemployment benefits. Siampwizi also confessed to submitting bogus applications for Economic Injury Disaster loans and Paycheck Protection Program loans for his two businesses, Global Car Rental, LLC, and Global Group Development & Construction, LLC. It paints a picture of a man aggressively pursuing every angle to line his pockets with stolen funds. Investigators from multiple agencies—the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, U.S. Secret Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Postal Inspection Service, and IRS Criminal Investigation—worked together to untangle the web of deceit.
“This successful effort represents the U.S. Secret Service commitment to protect citizens and businesses from fraud and identity theft,” said Steven R. Baisel, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service Atlanta Field Office. “We, along with our state, local, and federal law enforcement partners will continue to investigate, arrest, and support the successful prosecution of the criminals who choose to launder illicit proceeds or commit fraud in Georgia and across the nation.” The Secret Service is clearly prioritizing these types of cases, recognizing the significant damage caused by pandemic-related fraud.
Austin Martin Siampwizi is scheduled to be sentenced on March 26, 2024, before U.S. District Judge William M. Ray II. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Klapman. The investigation is part of the broader COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force, established by the Attorney General to combat pandemic-related fraud and bring perpetrators to justice. The feds are signaling they’re not letting up on these cases, determined to hold accountable those who exploited a national crisis for personal gain.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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