$1.4M In Pandemic Relief Fraud Prompts Alexandria Man's Guilty Plea

ALEXANDRIA, VA — A former Air Force dentist from Alexandria pleaded guilty Wednesday in a pandemic fraud relief case of nearly $1.5 million.

Prosecutors in federal court say Muhammad Adil Quraish, 35, of Alexandria, conspired with at least four other people to submit false applications for Paycheck Protection Program loans and an Economic Injury Disaster Loan. Both were COVID-19 relief programs to help small businesses survive during the pandemic's economic impacts.

According to court documents, Quraish and co-conspirators discussed applying with intentionally inflated and falsified payroll information to receive loans they would not usually be eligible for. Quraish falsely increased the number of employees claimed on the application and the quarterly and annual payroll figures. To support the scheme, Quraish made falsified payroll records and IRS tax forms along with falsely certifying that the forms were filed with the IRS.

Quraish and his co-conspirators received a $1,471,599 profit from the fraud scheme. Prosecutors said the proceeds went toward cryptocurrency investments and more.

Quraish faces a sentence up to five years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 22.