Several Los Angeles area residents are among 14 individuals arrested for allegedly stealing over $25 million in COVID-19 relief funds and federal small business loans, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Federal prosecutors announced Thursday that 18 people in total—four believed to be in Armenia—were named in two federal complaints.
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They face charges including conspiracy to defraud the government, submitting false or fraudulent claims, wire fraud and attempted wire fraud, bank fraud and attempted bank fraud, and money laundering conspiracy, among other offenses.
“This transnational criminal network sought to defraud the government of millions of dollars and almost succeeded,” said John Pasciucco, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Los Angeles.
During the arrests, authorities recovered about $20,000 in cash, two money-counting machines, several cellphones, laptops, two loaded 9mm semi-automatic handguns, and boxes of ammunition, the DOJ said.
Those charged include:
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Vahe Margaryan, aka William McGrayan, 42, of Tujunga
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Sarkis Gareginovich Sarkisyan, aka Samuel Shaw, 37, of Glendale
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Mery Babayan, aka Mery Diamondz, 32, of Van Nuys
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Felix Parker, 77, of North Hollywood
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Axsel Markaryan, aka Axel Mark, 47, of Pacoima
Prosecutors stated the defendants could face decades in federal prison if convicted
