Muhammad Z. Aabdin, Bribery, New York 2020

Bribery Schemes Unravel in Syracuse: Bronx Man Accused of Corrupting VA Official

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – In a shocking turn of events, 30-year-old Muhammad Z. Aabdin, a Bronx resident, has been charged with offering a bribe to a public official, according to a complaint filed by the VA Office of Inspector General.

The complaint alleges that in September 2020, Aabdin offered a bribe to a contracting officer with the Veterans Administration in Syracuse. Specifically, Aabdin allegedly promised to share profits with the VA contracting officer in exchange for her awarding VA contracts to him for personal protective equipment (PPE).

Aabdin was arraigned today in a hearing held by videoconference before United States Magistrate Judge Miroslav Lovric and was released pending further proceedings. This development raises serious concerns about corruption within the VA and the potential for compromised national security.

The charge filed against Aabdin carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

The charge in the complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. This case highlights the importance of vigorous law enforcement and the need for greater transparency within the VA.

The investigation is being led by the VA Office of Inspector General, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Perry handling the prosecution.

Defendant: Muhammad Z. Aabdin, 30, of New York City

Criminal Charge: Offering a Bribe to a Public Official

City: Syracuse, New York

Date: September 2020

Sentence/Outcome: Released pending further proceedings, with a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years

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