Related Federal Cases
- James Pavlounis, Social Security Disability Benefits Fraud, New York 2025 · Oregon
- Letitia James Challenges SNAP Benefits Ruling, New York, 2023 · Illinois
- Christopher Ferguson, Securities Fraud, New York 2020 · Ohio
- Todd Faustin, Workers’ Compensation Fraud, New York NY, 2023 · New York
- Sark Wire Corporation, PPP Loan Fraud, New York 2023 · Ohio
Fowzi Naji Tareb, 43, of Brooklyn, New York, Pleads Guilty to Facilitating $6 Million in SNAP Benefits Fraud
Brooklyn, New York – Fowzi Naji Tareb, 43, of Brooklyn, New York, pled guilty today at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, New York, to defrauding the United States Department of Agriculture in connection with its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as the Food Stamp Program.
Tareb was arrested after providing numerous retail businesses in the New York area with the machinery to accept SNAP benefits even though they were not authorized to do so.
The guilty plea was announced by Robert L. Capers, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and William Squires, Special Agent-in-Charge, Northeastern Region, United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General.
Tareb used his position as an agent at Century Payments, a third-party vendor and distributor of EBT terminals, to provide EBT terminals capable of processing SNAP benefits and authorization codes to more than 25 retailers that were not authorized by FNS to accept SNAP benefits.
In doing so, Tareb facilitated more than $6 million in unauthorized SNAP transactions and enabled the unlawful exchange of SNAP benefits for cash.
Tareb faces up to 20 years in prison, as well as forfeiture and a fine.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Saritha Komatireddy.
The federal government, through the United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), administers the SNAP program, which utilizes federal tax dollars to subsidize low-income households, affording them the opportunity to achieve a more nutritious diet by increasing their food purchasing ability.
SNAP benefits may be accepted by authorized retailers only in exchange for eligible food items. Items such as beer, cigarettes, paper goods, and soaps are not eligible for purchase. SNAP benefits may not lawfully be exchanged for cash under any circumstances and may not lawfully be used to pay off credit accounts. SNAP benefits may be accepted only by retailers authorized to participate in SNAP by FNS.
The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Saritha Komatireddy.
When sentenced, Tareb faces up to 20 years in prison, as well as forfeiture and a fine.
Fowzi Naji Tareb, Age: 43, Brooklyn, New York, E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 15-CR-038
Defendant Information: Fowzi Naji Tareb, Age: 43, Brooklyn, New York, E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 15-CR-038
Crime: Facilitating SNAP Benefits Fraud, State: New York, Year: 2023
Sentence: Up to 20 years in prison, as well as forfeiture and a fine
Amount: Over $6 million in unauthorized SNAP transactions
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: White Collar Crime|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News