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Defendant Siphoned $1.231 Million in Grant Funds Meant for Internet Freedom Efforts
A federal grand jury in Maryland has indicted Katrin Verclas, a 50-year-old German citizen residing in Washington, D.C., for major fraud in connection with a state department grant worth $1.231 million. Verclas, a director of MobileActive Corp, was accused of defrauding the U.S. Department of State by claiming the company was a non-profit organization capable of receiving the grant.
According to the indictment, Verclas spent a significant portion of the money on personal expenses and unrelated expenses, causing the state department to transfer $1.222 million into her control. The indictment was returned on March 26, 2018, and was unsealed upon Verclas’s arrest.
Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning commended the U.S. Department of State, Office of Inspector General, for its work in the investigation. Schenning thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominique Juliet Park and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan E. Foreman, who are prosecuting the case.
Verclas faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison if convicted. An indictment is not a finding of guilt, and Verclas is presumed innocent until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
The case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in grant funding, particularly in high-stakes areas like internet freedom efforts.
As the investigation continues, the community remains vigilant in ensuring that those who abuse public funds are held accountable for their actions.
Key Facts
- State: Maryland
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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