A man in California has been sentenced to 4.5 years in federal prison for fraudulently using COVID relief funds to buy exotic supercars and luxury rides.
Mustafa Qadiri, 42, was sent to prison, fined $20,000 and ordered to pay $2,861,050 in restitution, said the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Qadiri was given $5 million for a business that was a “sham.” Instead of using the relief funds for their intended purpose, he provided a lavish lifestyle for himself, buying a Lamborghini Aventador, Ferrari 488 GTB and Bentley Continental GT. Neither of those vehicles are understated, so anyone who knew him was probably wondering where he got such a sudden windfall of cash.
Authorities say in May and June 2020, Qadiri applied for PPP loans at three banks using falsified information for businesses that didn’t exist. In July 2021, Qadiri pleaded guilty to bank fraud, aggravated identity theft and money laundering.
Qadari didn’t restrict his expenditures using the COVID relief cash to automotive pleasures. Authorities say he also went on some lavish trips and bought other personal items.
