Nigerian woman accused of fraudulently claiming pandemic benefits worth over N50 million in the US

2 weeks ago 13
  • A Nigerian national, Funke Iyanda, was indicted successful Pittsburgh connected charges of pandemic unemployment fraud totalling $40,980
  • Iyanda allegedly submitted a mendacious exertion for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance betwixt May 2020 and May 2021
  • If convicted, she faces up to 10 years successful prison, a good of $250,000, oregon both, arsenic investigations proceed by U.S. national authorities

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – A national expansive assemblage successful Pittsburgh indicted a Nigerian national, Funke Iyanda, aged 43, connected charges of theft of authorities property, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced connected March 19, 2025.

Iyanda, who holds nary U.S. migration status, was accused of submitting a fraudulent assertion for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor.

US Arrests Nigerian Lady for Allegedly Receiving Pandemic Benefits of Over N50 Million FraudulentlyUS Arrests Nigerian Lady for Allegedly Receiving Pandemic Benefits of Over N50 Million Fraudulently
Source: Getty Images

The indictment alleged that Iyanda received astir $40,980 successful unemployment benefits to which she was not legally entitled.

Details of the fraudulent activity

According to the indictment, Iyanda’s fraudulent activities occurred betwixt May 27, 2020, and May 24, 2021.

During this period, she allegedly prepared and submitted a mendacious PUA exertion successful the sanction of different individual.

The funds received were portion of a national programme intended to supply fiscal alleviation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Potential penalties and ineligible proceedings

Under national law, the charges transportation a maximum punishment of up to 10 years successful prison, a good of up to $250,000, oregon both.

The existent condemnation volition beryllium connected the severity of the offence and Iyanda’s anterior transgression record, if any, successful accordance with national sentencing guidelines.

The lawsuit is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci, with investigations led by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Department of Homeland Security.

Presumption of innocence

It was reiterated that an indictment is simply an accusation, and Iyanda is presumed guiltless until proven blameworthy successful a tribunal of law. Legal proceedings are expected to travel owed process, arsenic outlined by the U.S. judicial system.

US Arrests Nigerian Lady for Allegedly Receiving Pandemic Benefits of Over N50 Million FraudulentlyUS Arrests Nigerian Lady for Allegedly Receiving Pandemic Benefits of Over N50 Million Fraudulently
Source: Getty Images

Pandemic unemployment

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) was a impermanent programme established nether the CARES Act successful 2020 to supply fiscal alleviation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It extended unemployment benefits to individuals who were typically ineligible for regular unemployment insurance, specified arsenic freelancers, self-employed workers, and part-time employees.

The programme officially ended connected September 6, 2021, aft offering up to 79 weeks of benefits to those affected by pandemic-related occupation disruptions.

Nigerian woman gets arrested successful USA

Legit.ng earlier reported that a Nigerian woman who is besides an American said she got arrested for associating herself with a Yahoo boy.

According to the woman who identifies herself arsenic Baddest Orobo connected YouTube, she was arrested successful 2022. In a YouTube video, Orobo said she was arrested astatine the airdrome upon accomplishment from her vacation.

After her arrest, Orobo said she spent 10 days successful detention earlier she was charged with being a formation risk. "I was charged for conspiracy for fraud. I won't springiness excessively overmuch details due to the fact that they haven't arrested the guy. I'm conscionable a scapegoat of this thing. And however did this start? My lawsuit started from a atrocious narration to a atrocious decision.

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Source: Legit.ng

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