A major fraud scheme has come to light as six men from New York, New Jersey, and Florida have been charged in a massive COVID relief and check fraud operation. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, these individuals allegedly conspired to steal and launder tens of millions of dollars through fake and stolen checks.
The scheme, which lasted from 2021 to 2025, targeted federal relief programs designed to support businesses and individuals affected by the pandemic.
The accused include Shan Anand (34) from Queens, NY; Nosakhare Nobore (29) from Edgewater, NJ; Solomon Aluko (29) from Hackensack, NJ; Jorge Gonzalez (28) from North Bergen, NJ; Nicholas Pappas (28) from Miami, FL; and Leonard Ujkic (44) from Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Authorities claim these individuals played different roles in the operation, including submitting false documents, altering bank accounts, and moving stolen funds.
How the Fraud Was Executed
According to court documents, the group deposited counterfeit and fraudulently obtained checks into various accounts before withdrawing or transferring the money. Many of these checks were tied to federal COVID-19 relief programs, such as the Employee Retention Credit and Qualified Sick Leave Wages credit—both of which were meant to provide financial aid to businesses during the pandemic.
However, the fraudsters allegedly created fake companies that did not meet eligibility requirements and used these entities to falsely claim relief funds. Authorities say Shan Anand, a bank teller, played a key role by opening or modifying accounts using fake identity documents, helping the group move money undetected.
Alongside fraudulent relief funds, the scheme also involved fake tax refunds and payments from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Social Security Administration. Once the stolen funds were deposited, they were quickly withdrawn as cash or transferred into accounts controlled by the group.
How Much Did They Steal?
The U.S. attorney’s office revealed that the group attempted to steal approximately $80 million and successfully deposited around $50 million before they were caught. The investigation also uncovered a strange detail—some members of the group had been wearing clothing featuring a logo of a running money bag with the phrase “Bag Hunter.”
Authorities continue to crack down on fraudulent COVID relief claims, warning that those who misuse federal aid programs will face severe consequences. This case serves as a reminder that pandemic relief funds were meant to help struggling businesses and individuals, not to be exploited for personal gain.
