Multi-Million Dollar Pandemic Relief Swindle Exposed

Houston, USA – In a brazen scheme to bilk the federal government out of millions during the COVID-19 pandemic, Viking Life-Saving Equipment (America) Inc. has agreed to pay $3.86 million to settle False Claims Act allegations.

U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei announced the settlement, which stems from Viking’s fraudulent applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. The company, a subsidiary of Denmark-based Viking Life Savings Equipment A/S, operates in Pasadena and provides maritime and offshore safety equipment and services.

The scheme unfolded between April 24, 2020, and November 11, 2021, when Viking applied for two PPP loans and requested forgiveness for both. The PPP, created under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, offered forgivable loans to small businesses for employee payroll and certain other expenses.

However, Viking allegedly misrepresented the total number of its own employees and those of its affiliates to obtain the loans. The company falsely certified eligibility on the dates of the relevant loan application materials to receive PPP funding and loan forgiveness.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul B. Moore handled the matter in coordination with Attorney Amber Perez, SBA – Office of General Counsel. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

In a statement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized that the settlement resolves allegations of wrongdoing, not an admission of guilt. The company has cooperated fully with the investigation.

The full extent of Viking’s schemes and potential accomplices remains unclear. However, one thing is certain: the company’s $3.86 million payout is a stark reminder of the risks and consequences of defrauding the federal government.

Viking Life-Saving Equipment’s actions undermine the trust and integrity of programs designed to support small businesses during times of crisis. The public should remain vigilant in reporting suspected wrongdoing and holding accountable those who seek to exploit the system.

This is not the first time Viking has faced allegations of wrongdoing. The company’s Danish parent, Viking Life Savings Equipment A/S, has been involved in several high-profile controversies involving safety equipment and maritime operations.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office has not disclosed whether any individual will face charges in connection with this case. However, the settlement serves as a warning to corporations and individuals who seek to exploit the system for personal gain.

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

White Collar Crime

Sweet Jimmy's Foods, Money Laundering, California 1999

Jan 15, 1999

White Collar Crime

Hernandez Parra, Bank Fraud, Florida 2007

Jan 15, 2007

White Collar Crime

Chemoil Corporation, RIN Credit Scam, California 2024

Sep 29, 2016

White Collar Crime

Jason Michael Henderson, Wire Fraud, Nevada 1996

Jan 15, 1996