Ex-NYPD Detective Admits Running COVID Loan Fraud Scheme

Faces up to 5 years in prison for $1 million fraud scheme

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A former New York City police detective has pleaded guilty to running a $1 million COVID-19 loan fraud scheme. The detective, who had served on the force for over 20 years, admitted to illegally obtaining pandemic relief funds by submitting false loan applications.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing problem of fraud and abuse related to COVID-19 relief programs, which have been targeted by criminals looking to illegally obtain government funds intended to help struggling businesses and individuals during the pandemic.

The details

The former NYPD detective, whose name has not been released, pleaded guilty to wire fraud charges in federal court. He admitted to submitting fraudulent loan applications to the Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, falsely claiming he needed the funds for his small business. In reality, the detective used the money for personal expenses.

  • On Wednesday, the former detective pleaded guilty to the charges.

The players

Former NYPD Detective

A veteran New York City police detective who served on the force for over 20 years before pleading guilty to running a $1 million COVID-19 loan fraud scheme.

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What they’re saying

“We must hold accountable those who sought to illegally profit from the pandemic by defrauding relief programs intended to help struggling businesses and individuals.”

— Damian Williams, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York

What’s next

The former detective faces up to 5 years in prison when he is sentenced on the wire fraud charges.

The takeaway

This case serves as a warning that authorities are closely monitoring COVID-19 relief programs for fraud, and those who attempt to illegally obtain funds intended for legitimate pandemic-related needs will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.