MIAMI – In a stunning revelation of corporate greed, Issa Asad, 51, CEO of Q Link Wireless LLC, has been sentenced to five years in prison and ordered to pay over $128 million in fines for his role in defrauding the United States government. The fraudulent scheme, spanning years, resulted in the theft of over $100 million from the Lifeline program, a vital initiative designed to provide discounted phone service to those in need.
Asad was also charged with money laundering from a separate scheme that aimed to exploit federal funds intended for individuals and businesses affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. He has been sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment for his crimes, while Q Link Wireless must pay a substantial forfeiture judgment of over $109 million.
In addition to the fines, Asad and Q Link are required to jointly pay $109,637,057 in restitution to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Asad personally paid $1,758,339.25 to the United States Small Business Association and faced a separate forfeiture judgment against him totaling $17,484,118.00.
‘Issa Asad and his company, Q Link Wireless, have deliberately scammed two vital government programs aimed at supporting people in economic distress,’ stated U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’ Byrne for the Southern District of Florida. ‘These outcomes underscore our resolve to make sure that those who mastermind corporate fraud schemes face personal consequences.’
The sentencing was a result of a joint investigation by the IRS Criminal Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and the FCC Office of Inspector General (FCC-OIG). The investigation revealed a brazen scheme that saw Asad prioritize his own greed over the needs of taxpayers and vulnerable communities.
‘This sentencing sends an important message that egregious criminal misconduct against FCC programs will not go unanswered,’ said Inspector General Fara Damelin of the FCC. ‘We thank our law enforcement partners for their outstanding work on this investigation.’
Related Federal Cases
- Wheeling CEO Nabbed in $300K COVID Scam · Alabama
- Miami Clinic Owner Pleads Guilty to $5.3M HIV Fraud Scheme · Alabama
- Miami Clinic Owners Face Guilty Pleas in $5.3M Medicare Fraud Scam · Alabama
- Miami Clinic Execs Guilty in $5.3M Medicare Fraud Scam · Florida
- Ex-Tax Auditor Plunkett Hit with Tax Fraud Charges · New York
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News