Queens, NY* – Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz has charged Humayun Kabir with grand larceny and related crimes. He allegedly misappropriated pandemic relief funds via federal loans meant to aid workers and small business owners suffering due to COVID-19. Kabir reportedly used the money to purchase properties in Niagara Falls.
Kabir, 53, secured a Payroll Protection Program loan and an Economic Injury Disaster loan by claiming economic harm from working as an Uber and Lyft driver. DA Katz expressed that her office would aggressively pursue those exploiting government relief programs. She acknowledged the collaborative efforts with Homeland Security Investigations New York, the New York State Department of Financial Services, and the NYPD Financial Crimes Task Force.
Special Agent William S. Walker from HSI New York criticized Kabir for his alleged actions during a crisis. Kabir was arraigned and faces a nine-count complaint with various charges. He could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted on the top charge, and his court return is set for January 16, 2025.
An investigation began after a tip-off in March 2023 from a fraud monitoring service,
