Tampa, FL – Former Tampa Banker Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison for Bank Fraud Scheme
U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Igor Shushpanov (39, Tampa) to 15 months in federal prison for bank fraud. The court ordered Shushpanov to pay $407,398 in restitution, which represents the loss amount. The court also ordered Shushpanov to forfeit $303,093.26 in proceeds he obtained through his criminal activity. Shushpanov pleaded guilty on November 18, 2024.
According to court documents, from as early as February 2017, until approximately July 30, 2022, Shushpanov opened checking accounts at multiple credit unions that were members of the Federal Home Loan Bank system. Shushpanov then obtained credit cards or personal lines of credit from the credit unions. Upon receipt of the credit cards or personal lines of credit, Shushpanov made purchases or cash advances up to the credit limit. Shushpanov would then purportedly pay off the entire balance by sending worthless checks from accounts under his custody and control.
Between the time that the financial institutions credited Shushpanov’s credit account balances, and the worthless checks were returned for insufficient funds, he would again max-out his credit cards and personal lines of credit resulting in higher negative credit account balances. Shushpanov continued perpetrating this scheme by repeatedly depositing worthless checks and making subsequent credit card or personal line of credit purchases. He then filed a bankruptcy petition to avoid paying the credit unions he defrauded.
Shushpanov’s scheme resulted in a significant financial loss for the credit unions he targeted. The court’s order to pay $407,398 in restitution reflects the extent of the damage caused by Shushpanov’s actions. The forfeiture of $303,093.26 in proceeds obtained through his criminal activity further emphasizes the severity of his wrongdoing.
The investigation into Shushpanov’s bank fraud scheme was a collaborative effort between the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Office of the United States Trustee for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division, also provided substantial investigative assistance. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Poor.
In a statement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized the importance of holding perpetrators of bank fraud accountable for their actions. “The defendant’s scheme was designed to exploit the trust placed in financial institutions, and his actions had severe consequences for the victims. The sentencing in this case serves as a reminder that bank fraud will not be tolerated, and those who engage in such activity will be held accountable,” the statement read.
Shushpanov is currently serving his 15-month prison sentence. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in preventing and detecting bank fraud, and the consequences that can result from such actions.
Mandatory Facts:
Defendant/Respondent: Igor Shushpanov
Criminal Charges: Bank fraud
City and State: Tampa, FL
Exact Date: November 18, 2024 (plea), 15 months in prison
Sentence/Outcome: 15 months in federal prison, $407,398 in restitution, $303,093.26 in forfeiture
Dollar Amounts: $407,398 in restitution, $303,093.26 in forfeiture
Related Federal Cases
- Larry Malone Sentenced for Bank Fraud, Bainbridge GA, 2014 · Georgia
- Viviane Cazeau, Bank Fraud Scheme, Massachusetts, 2023 · New Hampshire
- John M. Bales, Bank Fraud Conspiracy, Texas, 2023 · Oklahoma
- Nazaret Chakrian, ID Theft and Wire Fraud, California 2023 · Idaho
- Orlando Pascual Jr., HIV Treatment Medicare Fraud, Miami FL, 2023 · Alabama
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
