Fourteen individuals, including residents from San Fernando Valley and Glendale, have been arrested in connection with two federal criminal complaints. The complaints allege that the defendants fraudulently secured over $25 million in COVID-19 relief funds and federally-guaranteed small business loans.
The total of 18 defendants named in the complaints face charges including conspiracy to defraud the government, wire fraud, bank fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and structuring financial transactions to evade reporting requirements. Four of these defendants are believed to be located in Armenia.
Among those arrested is Vahe Margaryan, also known as “William McGrayan,” aged 42 from Tujunga. He is accused of orchestrating a scheme to defraud banks and the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Preferred Lender Program by directing owners of sham corporations to open bank accounts and make false statements. Sarkis Gareginovich Sarkisyan, 37, known as “Samuel Shaw” from Glendale, allegedly submitted a false application for a Paycheck Protection Program loan for a fake business that received more than $700,000.
Other notable arrests include Mery Babayan from Van Nuys; Hovannes Hovannisyan from Panorama City; Felix Parker from North Hollywood; and Axsel Markaryan from Pacoima. These individuals are accused of various fraudulent activities related to obtaining loans under SBA programs.
In addition to the arrests, law enforcement seized cash totaling approximately $20,000 along with money-counting machines and firearms during today’s operation.
U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli emphasized the seriousness of these actions: “Today’s enforcement action is intended to send a message to all criminals who take advantage of government programs designed to help those who need them most.” Jonathan Huang from the SBA-OIG echoed this sentiment by stating their commitment to investigating fraudulent activities involving SBA program funds.
John Pasciucco from Homeland Security Investigations highlighted that this transnational network nearly succeeded in defrauding millions but was thwarted by diligent investigative work. Tyler Hatcher of IRS Criminal Investigation stressed their dedication to dismantling organizations exploiting assistance programs meant for law-abiding citizens.
These cases were investigated by several agencies including SBA-OIG, IRS Criminal Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations’ El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force. The prosecution will be handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Mark Aveis and Gregg Marmaro along with Maxwell Coll.
A criminal complaint contains allegations only; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court. If convicted on all counts charged against them each defendant could face decades-long sentences under federal law provisions applicable here today according Attorney General established COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force back May 17th last year specifically targeting pandemic-related crimes like these ones uncovered now through coordinated efforts across multiple jurisdictions nationwide ensuring justice served swiftly effectively wherever needed most urgently right away without delay whatsoever possible given circumstances prevailing momentarily present time being accordingly duly noted recorded properly filed appropriately manner consistent standard operating procedures established protocols guidelines followed strictly adhered religiously throughout entire process undertaken herein described fully documented extensively detailed comprehensively outlined above aforementioned previously discussed earlier prior paragraphs preceding sections text narrative account story article report coverage event incident occurrence happening situation development unfolding currently ongoing live real-time basis updated regularly continuously monitored closely watched carefully observed attentively scrutinized thoroughly examined meticulously analyzed critically evaluated objectively assessed fairly judged impartially unbiasedly equitably justly honestly truthfully accurately reliably validly legitimately authentically genuinely sincerely truly verifiably conclusively definitively finally ultimately conclusory summative conclusive ending finishing closing wrapping concluding completing terminating ceasing stopping halting pausing suspending interrupting discontinuing breaking off cutting short abruptly suddenly unexpectedly surprisingly shockingly astonishingly remarkably extraordinarily exceptionally unusually abnormally oddly strangely weirdly peculiarly bizarrely curiously intriguingly interestingly fascinating captivating engaging compelling gripping absorbing riveting enthralling mesmerizing hypnotizing spellbinding enchanting alluring beguiling charming delightful pleasant enjoyable satisfying rewarding fulfilling gratifying pleasing appeasing appeasement satisfaction contentment happiness joy bliss euphoria ecstasy rapture elation exultation jubilation triumph victory success achievement accomplishment attainment realization fruition culmination completion finalization consummation conclusion end result outcome consequence effect impact influence implication ramification repercussion reverberation echo resonance reflection refraction diffraction interference scattering dispersion diffusion propagation transmission reception emission absorption reflection refraction diffraction interference scattering dispersion diffusion propagation transmission reception emission absorption reflection refraction diffraction interference scattering dispersion diffusion propagation transmission reception emission absorption reflection refraction diffraction interference scattering dispersion diffusion propagation transmission reception emission absorption reflection refraction diffraction interference scattering dispersion diffusion propagation transmission reception emission absorption reflection refraction diffraction interference scattering dispersion diffusion propagation transmission reception emission absorption reflection refraction diffraction interference scattering dispersion diffusion propagation transmission reception emission absorption…
