Tennessee, Michigan Men Plead Guilty in Multi-Million Dollar COVID, Online Refund Fraud Schemes

Two significant fraud cases were recently resolved involving large-scale financial schemes. In Michigan, Mubasher Riaz and his brother Muzzammil pleaded guilty to orchestrating an extensive online refund fraud scheme that defrauded vendors of over $400,000 by purchasing goods with fake identities and returning counterfeit items, a scheme uncovered during an unrelated FBI investigation. Meanwhile, in Tennessee, Ryan Glidewell admitted guilt in a $3.4 million COVID-19 relief fraud, where he and accomplices created fake businesses to claim employment tax credits, resulting in the IRS mistakenly disbursing $1.8 million. Glidewell faces up to 20 years in prison, highlighting the severe legal consequences of exploiting government relief programs. Both cases underscore the ongoing challenges authorities face in combating sophisticated financial frauds impacting businesses and taxpayers. Federal officials continue to urge potential victims to come forward as investigations proceed.