Tahir Shahzad, Food Stamp Benefit Fraud, CT 2024

WATERBURY, CT – A brazen scheme to siphon millions from federal food assistance has landed TAHIR SHAHZAD, 33, of Harrison, New York, in federal court. Shahzad pleaded guilty today to unlawful use of food stamp benefits and conspiracy to commit food stamp fraud, admitting he turned a Waterbury grocery store into a hub for illegal activity.

The Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program (SNAP), funded by taxpayer dollars, is meant to help low-income families afford groceries. But at WB Trade Fair Grocery, located at 43 Willow Street, the rules were tossed aside. Between November 2014 and June 2016, Shahzad, nephew of the store owner and sometimes manager, oversaw a scheme where customers could exchange their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards for cold, hard cash – and even illicit goods.

Court documents reveal the store wasn’t just accepting SNAP for eligible food items. Shahzad and his crew were peddling cigarettes, glass pipes, bongs, and hookahs using food stamp benefits. The kicker? Shahzad allegedly charged customers *double* the value of the illegal purchases. While a legitimate operation of WB Trade Fair’s size should have redeemed between $120,000 and $240,000 in SNAP benefits annually, records show a staggering $3.2 million in redemptions over the 18-month period.

This wasn’t a few isolated incidents; it was a systematic abuse of a program designed to feed families. Shahzad wasn’t acting alone. RAUL CARLOS MONARCA-GONZALEZ previously pleaded guilty to the same charges and received a 30-month prison sentence. TALLAT MAHMOOD also copped a plea and awaits sentencing on July 12, 2017. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, led the investigation.

Shahzad is scheduled to appear before U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on July 13, 2017. He faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to twice the gross loss from the offense, and will be ordered to pay restitution. He’s currently released on a $50,000 bond. This case serves as a stark reminder that exploiting programs meant to help the vulnerable will be met with federal prosecution.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anastasia King and Neeraj Patel are prosecuting the case. Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and report on the sentencing of Shahzad and Mahmood, as well as any further developments in this case of brazen fraud.