Grand jury indicts 5 for fraudulently obtaining COVID-19 relief funds for personal use
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A grand jury indicted five men for fraudulently obtaining money from the federal Payroll Protection Program (PPP) last summer, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Western Michigan announced Wednesday, April 7. Cash flow assistance is provided through federally guaranteed loans to employers who maintain their payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mason and Kurbanov, both from the Grand Rapids area, used their “nonfunctional” companies - In a Minute Entertainment, LLC and Kurbanov Communications, LLC - to apply for PPP funds, officials say. Cartwright Jr., of Grand Rapids, is charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and engaging in an illegal monetary transaction. Multiple federal agencies and local law enforcement investigated the fraud case including the FBI, Michigan State Police and the Grand Rapids Police Department.
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