During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, one man stole over $1.7 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans to live a lavish lifestyle, until Postal Inspectors put him behind bars.
Beginning in April 2020, Niall Alli, of Long Island, NY, applied for PPP loans for two small businesses that he owned. In total, Alli received over $1.7 million in PPP loans. To support his applications, Alli fabricated payroll and financial records.
After receiving the funds, Alli used the money for personal expenses, including the purchase of a Cadillac Escalade, two Patek Philippe wristwatches, private school tuition for his child, nearly $500,000 worth of cryptocurrency, and luxury hotel stays.
After spending the money, Alli filed loan forgiveness applications and used fake financial statements to support his claim. New York Division Postal Inspectors were tasked with following the money to uncover his fraud scheme. Inspectors found he used the loans to enrich himself by paying personal debts and making extravagant purchases.
Postal Inspectors arrested Alli in September 2022, and he pleaded guilty to disaster relief fraud and wire fraud. He was sentenced to 48 months in prison and ordered to pay over $1.7 million in restitution, along with an additional $135,000 in asset forfeitures.
ALT A black 2021 Cadillac Escalade. The text reads "Inspection Service Spotlight: Living in Long Island Luxury."
ALT Niall Alli, who pleaded guilty to disaster relief fraud and wire fraud in December 2023.