Palestinian Tax Preparer Sentenced for $14M PPP Loan Fraud

Sharhabeel Shreiteh received 10-year prison term for filing false loan applications for about 1,000 clients.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 6:06pm

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A Palestinian migrant named Sharhabeel Shreiteh has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for a $14 million scheme involving fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications. Shreiteh, a Chicago-area tax preparer, received $740,000 in kickbacks for filing false PPP loan applications for around 1,000 clients.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing problem of PPP loan fraud, which has cost taxpayers billions of dollars since the program was launched at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also raises questions about oversight and enforcement measures to prevent such large-scale abuse of government aid programs.

The details

Prosecutors found that Shreiteh, 46, sent a large amount of the fraudulently obtained money to the Palestinian territories to buy property and make other luxury purchases for his wife and three children there. However, Shreiteh's wife in the U.S. was unhappy that he was denying her and their daughter access to more of the fraud proceeds.

  • Shreiteh was indicted on 13 counts of wire fraud in September 2023.
  • He pleaded guilty to a single count of wire fraud in August 2025.

The players

Sharhabeel Shreiteh

A 46-year-old Palestinian migrant who worked as a Chicago-area tax preparer and was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for a $14 million PPP loan fraud scheme.

Hania Atiq Shreiteh

Sharhabeel Shreiteh's wife in the United States, who was unhappy that he was sending a large amount of the fraudulently obtained money to the Palestinian territories instead of giving her and their daughter more access to the funds.

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What they’re saying

“You suck! I bust my ass for 13 years and don't have like she gets without working for it!”

— Hania Atiq Shreiteh, Sharhabeel Shreiteh's wife

“You gave her kids, a villa, now fancy cars? I'm so sick and tired of being lied to by you.”

— Hania Atiq Shreiteh, Sharhabeel Shreiteh's wife

“I don't know what to say or do now. It's so harming for everyone. I'm speechless.”

— Sharhabeel Shreiteh

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Sharhabeel Shreiteh out on bail pending his appeal.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing problem of PPP loan fraud and the need for stronger oversight and enforcement measures to prevent such large-scale abuse of government aid programs. It also raises questions about the challenges of addressing complex financial crimes involving multiple jurisdictions and cultural practices.