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NYC PPP Loan Fraud Lawyers
The PPP Prosecution Machine Has Arrived in New York
If you’re reading this, you’ve gotten a phone call you never expected. Maybe your accountant just told you the FBI asked about your 2020 PPP application. Maybe two agents showed up at your restaurant, asking about employee counts. Maybe you received a letter from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
This is reality for thousands of small business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals across New York City. The federal government’s COVID fraud machine is now operating at full speed.
If you think this is just a paperwork issue, you’re already behind. You are not dealing with a civil audit. You are facing a multi-agency federal criminal investigation built to win.
The DOJ’s COVID Fraud Task Force: 20 Agencies, One Target
In May 2021, the Department of Justice launched the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force, combining the resources of more than 20 federal agencies: FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, SBA OIG, U.S. Secret Service, HSI, and more.
The results are staggering:
- More than 3,500 defendants charged nationally
- Over $1.4 billion in stolen COVID relief funds seized or forfeited
- More than 400 civil lawsuits filed
- SBA OIG statistics: 1,200+ indictments, 700+ convictions from PPP/EIDL fraud alone
Real New York PPP Fraud Sentences
- Baltej Singh Brar (Richmond Hill, Queens): 2 years federal prison
- Tommy Hawkins (Bank Branch Manager): 65 months (over 5 years) prison for coordinating 38 fraudulent PPP loans totaling $5 million
- Niall Alli (Long Island): 48 months prison for $1.7 million PPP fraud
The SDNY/EDNY Prosecution Machine
- Southern District of New York (SDNY): Manhattan, Bronx, Westchester. 88% indictment rate. 98% conviction rate.
- Eastern District of New York (EDNY): Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Long Island. Aggressive COVID fraud enforcement.
Once they decide to indict, conviction is almost guaranteed. Your leverage is pre-indictment.
What to Do if Contacted by Federal Agents
- Say nothing. Politely invoke your right to counsel.
- Call an experienced federal defense attorney immediately
- Gather all PPP/EIDL documentation
- Do NOT discuss the case with anyone except your attorney
At Spodek Law Group, our team includes former DOJ prosecutors and federal agents on staff. We handle cases across all federal districts. Contact us immediately if you are under investigation.
Reduction in pretrial jail population since NJ bail reform implementation.
Source: NJ Judiciary Annual ReportApproval rate for properly filed expungement petitions in NJ.
Source: NJ Courts Statistical ReportCommon Mistakes to Avoid
Actually Stay Silent
Most people know they have the right to remain silent but still talk to police. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Politely decline to answer questions until your attorney is present.
Bail Conditions Are Enforceable
Violating bail conditions, even minor ones, can result in immediate re-arrest and make it much harder to obtain bail again. Follow every condition to the letter.
Proven Track Record
Recent Case Results
*Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
SEE ALL CASE RESULTSWhat Our Clients Say
"When the federal government came after me, Todd and his team were the only ones who made me feel like I had a real chance. They understood the system inside and out and got my case dismissed."— Michael T., Federal Defense Client MORE REVIEWS
Lead Attorney & Founder
Todd Spodek
Featured on Netflix's "Inventing Anna," Todd Spodek brings decades of high-stakes criminal defense experience to every case.
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Frequently Asked Questions
New Jersey reformed its bail system in 2017. Instead of a cash-based system, judges now use a Public Safety Assessment (PSA) to determine whether a defendant should be released pretrial. Most defendants are released with conditions, while those deemed high-risk may be detained. An experienced attorney can argue for favorable release conditions at your detention hearing.
No. You have the constitutional right to remain silent and to have an attorney present during questioning. Anything you say to police can be used against you in court. Politely invoke your rights by saying "I want to speak with my attorney before answering any questions." This cannot be held against you.
Attorney fees vary based on the complexity of the case, the charges involved, and whether the case goes to trial. At Spodek Law Group, we offer transparent pricing and flexible payment plans. We provide a free initial consultation to discuss your case and give you an honest assessment of costs. Investing in quality representation often saves far more in the long run than choosing the cheapest option.
An arraignment is your first court appearance after being charged with a crime. The judge will read the charges against you, and you'll enter a plea (usually not guilty at this stage). The judge will also set bail or release conditions. Having an attorney at your arraignment is critical, as they can advocate for favorable bail terms and begin building your defense strategy from day one.
Why Clients Choose Spodek Law Group
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