QUEENS, NY – District Attorney Melinda Katz has announced the arrest and charges against Papa Diakhate, 54, of East Elmhurst, for allegedly defrauding federal pandemic relief funds.
Diakhate has been accused of creating fake companies to garner over a $1 million from the Federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which was intended to aid struggling businesses.
According to the allegations, Diakhate utilized the funds for personal expenses, including luxury shopping and travel. He is accused of purchasing a $14,000 Rolex watch, making extensive purchases at high-end retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and Bloomingdales, as well as spending significantly on travel.
Charges against Diakhate include grand larceny in both the first and second degree, criminal possession of stolen property, and falsifying business records. If found guilty, he could face up to 25 years in prison.
Queens Criminal Court Judge Maria Gonzalez has ordered Diakhate to appear in court again on November 27. The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the NYPD and Queens County District Attorney’s office.