Buffalo’s Nasser Ali Ghanem, 34, was handed a 10-month prison sentence by U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny for his role in a food stamp fraud scheme.
Ghanem, who operated the Hollywood Nights Prime Shop deli on Jefferson Avenue, purchased food stamps from recipients at less than their full value and then sold them for cash. The scam ran from October 2008 through January 2011, totaling losses to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) of $67,139.00.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo handled the case against Ghanem. According to DiGiacomo, Ghanem’s actions were part of a larger operation that exploited the food stamp program for personal gain.
The sentencing follows an investigation led by Special Agents of the USDA Office of Inspector General under William G. Squires Jr., Special Agent in Charge for the Northeast Region. The agents’ diligent work resulted in Ghanem being held accountable for his fraudulent activities.
As part of his sentence, Ghanem was also ordered to pay $67,139.00 in restitution directly to the USDA. This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences faced by those who abuse public assistance programs.
Contact: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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