Two Nassau County Gang Members Convicted in COVID Relief Fraud Scheme

Akeem Chambers and Jonathan Vazquez plotted to steal hundreds of thousands in pandemic aid funds.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:59am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled, discarded government form, conceptually representing the criminal misuse of pandemic relief funds.The conviction of two gang members for COVID-19 relief fraud underscores the ongoing threat of criminal exploitation of government aid programs.Uniondale Today

Two gang members from Nassau County, New York have been convicted of conspiring to defraud pandemic relief programs of hundreds of thousands of dollars in 2020 and 2021. Akeem Chambers, 24, of Uniondale, and Jonathan Vazquez, 24, of Hempstead Village, were found guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft related to their attempts to steal COVID-19 relief funds.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing problem of criminals exploiting government aid programs, particularly during times of crisis when oversight may be more lax. The theft of pandemic relief funds can deprive legitimate small businesses and individuals of critical financial support when they need it most.

The details

Chambers and Vazquez were part of a criminal scheme to fraudulently obtain Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) by using stolen identities and falsified business information. They attempted to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars in COVID-19 relief funds through these illegal means.

  • In 2020 and 2021, Chambers and Vazquez conspired to defraud pandemic relief programs.
  • The two gang members were convicted last week for their roles in the fraud scheme.

The players

Akeem Chambers

A 24-year-old gang member from Uniondale, New York who was convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft related to a COVID-19 relief fraud scheme.

Jonathan Vazquez

A 24-year-old gang member from Hempstead Village, New York who was convicted alongside Akeem Chambers for their roles in the COVID-19 relief fraud conspiracy.

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What they’re saying

“Stealing from pandemic relief programs is a serious crime that deprives legitimate businesses and individuals of critical aid.”

— Breon Peace, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the ongoing threat of criminal gangs exploiting government aid programs, especially during times of crisis when oversight may be more lax. It underscores the need for robust fraud prevention measures to protect pandemic relief funds from being diverted to illicit activities.