Phoenix Family Pleads Guilty to Fraud in $2.2 Million COVID-19 Loan Scheme
A Phoenix family has pleaded guilty to charges related to a scheme to fraudulently obtain $2.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds. Mohammed Maio, 43, along with his parents Souzan El-Sayed, 66, and Abukar Maio, 70, admitted to conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and other charges. The family falsely claimed to have employees in multiple businesses to secure Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan funds. Additionally, Mohammed, a convicted felon, was involved in illegally obtaining a firearm through false statements.