Crosscut Now
May 4, 2023 - WA chasing millions in COVID-19 relief fraud
5/4/2023 | 1m 15sVideo has Closed Captions
The WA 'strike force' chasing millions in COVID-19 relief fraud.
From a Spokane T-shirt scheme to a Nigerian unemployment scam, federal prosecutors are grappling with how to prioritize cases amid limited resources.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Crosscut Now is a local public television program presented by Cascade PBS
Crosscut Now
May 4, 2023 - WA chasing millions in COVID-19 relief fraud
5/4/2023 | 1m 15sVideo has Closed Captions
From a Spokane T-shirt scheme to a Nigerian unemployment scam, federal prosecutors are grappling with how to prioritize cases amid limited resources.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Teams of attorneys called Strike Forces are tackling fraud investigation cases around the country.
Nationwide federal prosecutors have brought criminal charges against more than 1500 people for fraudulently obtaining pandemic business loans.
The paycheck protection program pumped 800 billion dollars into small businesses.
Federal oversight officials say the attitude was to send the money out and go chase it Later.
Crosscut spoke with federal attorneys in Eastern and Western Washington, to learn more about those charged with pandemic fraud.
The cases range from Seattle tech executives, a drug addicted state employee, to an esteemed entrepreneur.
The biggest challenge facing prosecutors is there's more fraud to pursue and limited resources and time.
Meanwhile, prosecution is the only real attempt to bring accountability to the program.
I'm Paris Jackson.
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Crosscut Now is a local public television program presented by Cascade PBS