A Bakersfield man has been brought to justice for stealing over $160,000 in COVID-19 relief money, federal authorities announced on Friday. 51-year-old Jaswinder Bhangoo was sentenced to 18 months in prison for his role in the scheme, which saw him apply for over $250,000 in loans using false information.
The scheme, which unfolded between May 2020 and November 2021, saw Jaswinder Bhangoo apply for numerous loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration, falsely claiming to own multiple businesses with several employees and substantial revenues. He also lied about his previous conviction for insurance fraud, stating he had not been convicted of a felony in the past five years.
Bhangoo’s false claims were successful, and he received approximately $163,750 in federal funds to which he was not entitled. The U.S. Department of Justice has announced that he will be ordered to pay back the full amount as part of his sentence.
The case was the result of an investigation by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittany M. Gunter and Joseph Barton leading the prosecution. The case is part of a larger effort to combat COVID-19 relief fraud, with the U.S. Department of Justice establishing five interagency strike forces across the country.
The California COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Strike Force, which led the investigation, combines law enforcement and prosecutorial resources in the Eastern and Central Districts of California. The team focuses on large-scale, multistate pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors.
The effort has seen numerous arrests and convictions, with federal authorities working to bring those responsible to justice. In a statement, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert praised the work of the strike force, saying, ‘The California Strike Force is dedicated to rooting out pandemic relief fraud and holding those responsible accountable.’
The case serves as a reminder that COVID-19 relief money was not a free-for-all, and those who attempted to steal from the system will face the full weight of the law. Bhangoo’s sentence is a stark reminder that fraud will not be tolerated, and those who engage in such activities will be brought to justice.
Related Federal Cases
- Crypto Dreams & COVID Cash: Rideshare Driver Accused of $2M Scam · California
- Sacramento Con Man Gets 4+ Years for $1.1M Tax Heist · California
- SoCal Grifter Gets 5.5 Years for SBA Scam · California
- Tax Cheat Gets 18 Months for $1.2M Scam · Alabama
- Tax Cheat Gets 18 Months: $1.2M Scam · Alabama
Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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