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COVID 19 Fraudster Sentenced to Prison
Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada resident STEVEN MESROP, 30, was sentenced to 104 months in federal prison and ordered to pay nearly $3.5 million in restitution. MESROP and his co-conspirators were found guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and related crimes for participating in a scheme to fraudulently acquire personal protective equipment and event tickets.
The scam targeted U.S.-based businesses selling pandemic-related supplies during the COVID 19 pandemic. In addition to MESROP, three other Canadians, MIRNA MAHROUS HABIB, 25, of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, KARIN TREISTER, 25, of Toronto, Canada, and DIJON CORNELIUS SHEPARD, 28, of Los Angeles, California, were also sentenced to prison time and fined.
MESROP and his co-conspirators used stolen credit card information from 52 credit cards to purchase $678,842.03 worth of tickets to Oklahoma State University athletic events. The defendants also targeted U.S.-based businesses selling pandemic-related supplies.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Western District of Oklahoma Coronavirus Fraud Task Force, which was launched in April 2021 to investigate and prosecute fraud related to the COVID 19 pandemic.
The Task Force focuses on programs created or funded by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security ACT (CARES Act) and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The Task Force is designed to detect, deter, and punish those who take advantage of federal and state programs during the pandemic.
The Task Force has produced numerous cases, including the sentencing of four Canadians for their roles in a COVID 19 fraud scheme.
Key Facts
- State: Oklahoma
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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