Federal authorities have arrested 14 people in connection with a wide-ranging scheme that allegedly defrauded U.S. COVID-19 relief programs and small business loan initiatives out of more than $25 million.
The arrests stem from two federal criminal complaints filed in the Central District of California, which name 18 defendants in total, including four individuals believed to be in Armenia. The alleged crimes include conspiracy to defraud the government, wire fraud, bank fraud, money laundering, and structuring financial transactions to avoid reporting requirements.
Among those arrested:
- Vahe Margaryan, a.k.a. “William McGrayan,” 42, of Tujunga, allegedly orchestrated the scheme, directing co-conspirators to submit false loan applications supported by phony financial documents, including fabricated tax returns.
- Sarkis Gareginovich Sarkisyan, 37, a.k.a. “Samuel Shaw,” of Glendale, is accused of obtaining o
