Exploiting a global pandemic for financial gain is not only morally reprehensible, it is likely criminal.
That’s according to U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, Thomas T. Cullen, who announced the formation of the Virginia Coronavirus Fraud Task Force. The task force is a joint federal and state partnership that will investigate and prosecute fraud related to the coronavirus pandemic in Virginia.
The task force will review and investigate all credible leads of fraud associated with the coronavirus pandemic, regardless of the loss amount, focusing on schemes to exploit vulnerable populations, including the elderly.
Federal prosecutors from the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia will meet and confer with their agency counterparts from the FBI and Virginia State Police on a regular basis to prioritize cases and surge resources where needed.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin G. Cooke will serve as the COVID-19 Fraud Coordinator for the Eastern District of Virginia, while Assistant United States Attorney Michael Baudinet will serve in the same role for the Western District of Virginia.
The FBI is also warning citizens to be vigilant in protecting themselves against COVID-19 scams. ‘Do not open attachments or click on links from senders you do not recognize,’ said FBI Special Agent in Charge David W. Archey. ‘Verify the information being shared actually originates from a legitimate source.’
The Virginia State Police is committed to ensuring the Commonwealth and its citizens safely navigate these uncertain times. ‘This task force enables state police to more efficiently and effectively collaborate with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to best protect Virginians from predatory and, potentially criminal, practices.’
Related Federal Cases
- Jeffrey Phares, Cemetery Fraud, West Virginia, 2023 · Virginia
- Sark Wire Corporation, PPP Fraud, Albany NY, 2023 · Pennsylvania
- James Pavlounis, Social Security Disability Benefits Fraud, New Roc… · Pennsylvania
- Kenneth Thom, Investment Adviser Fraud, New York NY, 2026 · New York
- Jeffrey Phares, Wire Fraud Scheme, Fayetteville WV, 2023 · Alabama
Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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