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In a shocking turn of events, a second executive has come forward and admitted to participating in a $150 million fraud on Qualcomm. Ali Akbar Shokouhi, the primary investor of a technology company that was sold to Qualcomm, pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering. Shokouhi confessed to scheming with co-defendant Karim Arabi and others to hide their involvement in the tech firm, Abreezio, which they marketed to Qualcomm. By concealing Arabi’s connection to the company, Shokouhi and Arabi were able to present Abreezio as an “angel-funded” outside firm, despite its close ties to Qualcomm. As part of his plea agreement, Shokouhi has agreed to forfeit over $16 million and pay restitution. This shocking revelation follows the recent guilty plea of another co-defendant, Sanjiv Taneja.

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Background

The recent Qualcomm fraud case has revealed shocking details of a massive fraud involving the tech giant. The case came to light through an official government website, which provided information on the investigation and subsequent prosecution. One of the significant developments in the case was the admission by a second executive, Ali Akbar Shokouhi, who pleaded guilty to his involvement in the fraud.

Details of the Fraud

Shokouhi played a crucial role in the fraud, collaborating with his co-defendant Karim Arabi. Together, they deceived Qualcomm by hiding their involvement in the tech firm Abreezio, which they marketed to Qualcomm. Arabi, who was a Qualcomm employee throughout the marketing period, used his position to conceal his role in Abreezio’s formation, development, and marketing. Shokouhi admitted that Arabi was intimately involved in the company’s operations, even choosing the name “Abreezio.” To further deceive Qualcomm, Shokouhi referred to Arabi by a different name in text messages with co-conspirators.

Concealing Shokouhi’s Involvement

There were significant reasons for concealing Shokouhi’s involvement in Abreezio. Firstly, Shokouhi had previously been terminated from Qualcomm due to a conflict-of-interest violation. By hiding his involvement, he avoided scrutiny and potential legal consequences. Additionally, Shokouhi and Arabi disguised Arabi’s involvement in Abreezio to portray the company as an “angel-funded” outside firm, thereby obscuring its true connection to Qualcomm.

Financial Consequences

Qualcomm agreed to pay approximately $180 million for Abreezio, with $150 million paid in October 2015. As part of his plea agreement, Shokouhi agreed to forfeit over $16 million that he personally received from Qualcomm’s purchase of Abreezio. This financial consequence demonstrates the severity of the fraud and highlights the importance of holding the perpetrators accountable. The remaining funds from the fraud will likely be subject to forfeiture and restitution as well.

Prosecution Team

The prosecution team handling the Qualcomm fraud case consists of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas W. Pilchak, Janaki G. Chopra, and Eric R. Olah. These experienced prosecutors are dedicated to ensuring justice is served and holding the defendants accountable for their actions. In addition to the Assistant U.S. Attorneys, various law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Services’ Criminal Investigation, and the United States Marshals Service, have been involved in the investigation.

Defendants

The fraud case involves multiple defendants, each with their unique roles in the scheme. Karim Arabi, a 57-year-old resident of San Diego, played a significant part in the formation, development, and marketing of Abreezio. Sanjiv Taneja, a former CEO, admitted his involvement in the fraud and pleaded guilty. Ali Akbar Shokouhi, a 64-year-old resident of San Diego, has also pleaded guilty to his role in the fraud. These defendants have orchestrated a complex scheme that has deceived Qualcomm and resulted in financial losses.

Media Contacts

For media inquiries related to the Qualcomm fraud case, please contact Kelly Thornton, the Media Relations Director at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of California. She can be reached at (619) 546-9726 or via email at Kelly.Thornton@usdoj.gov. The media contacts provided will ensure accurate and up-to-date information is disseminated to the public in a professional manner.

Related Content

The Qualcomm fraud case is not an isolated incident. Similar cases of fraud have occurred in various industries and have highlighted the importance of robust financial controls to prevent and detect fraudulent activities. It is crucial for companies to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to protect themselves from potential fraud schemes. Additionally, press releases related to the Qualcomm fraud case can provide further information and updates on the investigation and prosecution.

Office Details and Contact

The Southern District of California Office is located at the Federal Office Building, 880 Front Street, Room 6293, San Diego, California, 92101-8807. For any inquiries or assistance related to the Qualcomm fraud case or any other matter within the jurisdiction of the office, please contact the office at (619) 557-5610 or toll-free at (800) 544-1106. The office is dedicated to providing support and addressing the needs of the community it serves.

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To stay updated on the latest news and developments from the Department of Justice, follow their social media channels. The DOJ maintains an active presence on various platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. By connecting with the DOJ through social media, you can access valuable resources, archived content, and stay informed about the latest legal policies and initiatives.

Conclusion

The Qualcomm fraud case has brought to light shocking details of a massive fraud perpetrated by individuals within the company. The admission by a second executive, Ali Akbar Shokouhi, has provided valuable insights into the extent of the scheme and the involvement of key individuals. The financial consequences of the fraud highlight the severity of the offense and the importance of holding the perpetrators accountable. With a dedicated prosecution team and the involvement of various law enforcement agencies, justice will prevail in this case. It is essential to remain vigilant and learn from similar cases to prevent future fraudulent activities.

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Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/pr/second-executive-admits-participating-150-million-fraud-qualcomm

By Jesse Hull

I'm Jesse Hull, a retired Infantry Paratrooper and Outdoor Studies Major at Alaska Pacific University - and I am the mind behind Grimy Times - your portal to the darkest, grittiest news stories spanning the globe. With a tagline like "Grimiest News From Around The World!" you can expect no less. I bring you the most unearthed stories, guaranteeing authenticity without sugarcoating. From shadowy urban alleys to the most remote corners of our planet, my coverage knows no bounds.