The Santa Clara County District Attorney has charged six former Apple employees with running a charity fraud scheme.
The gist of Apple’s program was that the company would match or match employee donations to charity. However, workers have found a way to abuse this system.
The scheme’s organizer, Siu Kei Kwan, asked five of his colleagues to make donations to the organizations he was associated with, the US-China International Cultural Exchange (ACICE) and Hop4Kids. After Apple doubled these donations, the original amounts were returned to employees and the doubled funds were paid to the scammers. Moreover, they included false information about charitable donations on their tax returns, receiving additional payments.
From July 2018 to April 2021, participants in the scheme received approximately $152 thousand from the Apple program and received more than $100 thousand in tax credits. Apple identified the violation and referred the case to the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office.
This case gives us the opportunity to pursue those who defraud the technology community and abuse philanthropy and international efforts. We thank Apple for their partnership and encourage other companies to do the same. Donate legally to support those in need, not yourself.
— Professor Jeff Rosen
Now these employees are accused of grand theft, discussing the purpose of the crime, perjury and tax fraud. Because of their scale, they prosecute California white-collar crime offenders under the Special Crimes Act.
If they are found guilty, they will be imprisoned and fined, and will also be required to pay damages.
Source: Iphones RU
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