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New York unemployment insurance fraud cases

Every Justice Department announcement of unemployment insurance fraud prosecuted in New York since January 20, 2025.

All announcements

DateAnnouncementStageAmount
2026-09-24Dunkirk woman sentenced for theft of government funds involving COVID-19 fraudSentenced—
2026-03-26Brooklyn-Based Ninedee Gang Member Sentenced to 145 Months' Imprisonment for Covid-19 Unemployment Benefits Fraud SchemeSentenced$838K
2026-03-25Dunkirk man pleads guilty to theft of government funds involving COVID-19 fraudPleaded guilty—
2026-03-20Dunkirk man pleads guilty to theft of government funds involving COVID-19 fraudPleaded guilty—
2026-02-27New Rochelle Man Sentenced Following Trial Convictions for Pandemic FraudSentenced$600K
2025-09-25Canadian Man Sentenced Following Trial Convictions for Pandemic FraudSentenced—
2025-09-24Dunkirk men charged with defrauding the United States and theft of government fundsCharged—
2025-08-19Former New York City Department of Education Business Manager Sentenced in Bid Rigging SchemeSentenced$142K
2025-06-26Fraudster Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Stealing Homeless Victims' Identities and Using Them to Apply for Unemployment BenefitsSentenced—
2025-05-23Jury Convicts Canadian Citizen of Pandemic FraudConvicted at trial—
2025-04-25Ex-Congressman George Santos Sentenced to 87 Months in Prison for Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftSentenced—
2025-04-09Brooklyn-Based Ninedee Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Covid-19 Unemployment Benefits Fraud SchemePleaded guilty$3.5M
2025-03-24Albany Man Pleads Guilty to Pandemic Fraud, Identity Theft, and Falsely Endorsing Stolen Treasury ChecksPleaded guilty$143K
2025-02-12Albany Woman Pleads Guilty to Unemployment Insurance Fraud and Gun and Drug ChargesPleaded guilty$152K

Source: U.S. Department of Justice press releases. Amounts should not be added: one case can appear at several stages. Charged cases are allegations.

Where to report unemployment insurance fraud in New York

Unemployment insurance fraud is covered by the federal WHIP program: a tip that leads to criminal charges can earn $10,000–$30,000. More on reporting unemployment insurance fraud, all fraud cases and reward laws in New York, and Unemployment cases in every state.

Frequently asked questions

How many Unemployment fraud cases has the DOJ announced in New York?

14 announcements since January 20, 2025, or 6.6% of all Unemployment announcements in our database. Each press release is counted separately, so one case can appear at charge, plea and sentencing.

How do I report unemployment insurance fraud in New York?

NYS Department of Labor – Report Fraud; Department of Labor OIG hotline; America.gov/fraud (WHIP reward portal). To be eligible for a federal WHIP award, submit the tip in writing at America.gov/fraud.

Sources

  1. U.S. Department of Justice press releases (justice.gov/news)
  2. DOL OIG hotline
  3. DOJ: National Fraud Enforcement Division Criminal Tip Rewards Pilot Program, terms and conditions (updated Oct. 20, 2026)