Nine Bangladeshi relief fund fraudsters in New York face up to 25 years in prison

Noman Sabit: Nine Bangladeshi nationals who admitted to embezzling thousands of dollars from COVID-19 disaster relief funds in New York may face prison sentences ranging from 15 to 25 years, according to court sources.
The defendants pleaded guilty to stealing funds allocated to assist small businesses impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their identities have now been confirmed in court.
Court officials stated that the defendants have been ordered to repay more than $1 million in restitution. Several of them could face prison terms of up to 25 years upon sentencing.
The information was confirmed by the offices of Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang.
District Attorney Katz stated that the nine defendants admitted to stealing thousands of dollars from New York State funds that were specifically designated to support struggling businesses during an unprecedented crisis.
“These funds were critical in helping New Yorkers survive during an extraordinary emergency,” Katz said. “As a result of their guilty pleas, they must now repay the money. I thank my office’s Frauds Bureau and the New York State Inspector General’s Office for holding them accountable.”
Inspector General Lucy Lang said misuse of disaster relief funds for personal gain is always criminal and shameful — and even more reprehensible during a global health crisis.
“Today’s guilty pleas and the recovery of over one million dollars for taxpayers reflect the dedication of my office, District Attorney Katz and her colleagues, and our law enforcement partners,” Lang said. “New York will never tolerate greed placed above the public good.”

Charges and Restitution
Between May 2025 and February 2026, the nine defendants pleaded guilty in Queens Supreme Court to fourth-degree grand larceny and petit larceny charges. They were ordered to pay a total of $1,091,720 in restitution. Of that amount, $760,000 has already been repaid to New York State.
Investigators found that beginning in June 2020, the defendants submitted multiple fraudulent applications under New York State’s Empire Development Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program.
In each application, they claimed the funds were needed for payroll, commercial rent or mortgage payments, utilities, and other business expenses. However, investigators determined that most of the money was immediately transferred into their personal bank accounts.
Extensive banking record reviews revealed that the listed businesses had no legitimate operations prior to receiving the grants and there was no supporting evidence for.
The Bangladeshi defendants who pleaded guilty in court are as follows:
Mahbub Malik (41), a resident of Astoria, has already pleaded guilty and received three years of conditional discharge. His hometown is in Pabna District, Bangladesh.
Tufayel Ahmed (50), a resident of 150th Street in Jamaica, originally from Chatkhil in Noakhali District, embezzled approximately $1.1 million under the names of two entities, “127 Rivington Corp” and “Dresden Associates.” According to the Queens District Attorney’s Office, he opened the bank account just one day before receiving the loan and made deposits and withdrawals on the same day.
Yusuf Md (45), a resident of Elmhurst and also originally from Noakhali, conspired with Tufayel Ahmed to embezzle $1.4 million through three fictitious businesses. He faces up to 25 years in prison upon conviction.
Mohammad Chowdhury, also known as Khokon Ashraf (68), a senior resident of Jackson Heights originally from Comilla District, is accused of stealing $229,000 through five fake business entities. He was previously a business partner of Zakir Chowdhury.
Nadeem Sheikh (56), a resident of New Hyde Park originally from Faridpur District, embezzled approximately $100,000 through two fictitious companies.
Zakir H. Chowdhury (59), a resident of Grand Central Parkway in Jamaica and currently one of the most discussed figures in the community, is originally from Begumganj in Noakhali District. The former president of the U.S. Jubo Dal allegedly embezzled $287,608 through six fake companies. After pleading guilty, he repaid $100,000 on September 23 last year and another $75,000 on December 23. He is currently undergoing legal proceedings under the condition that he will pay the remaining $75,000 by March 23.
Mohammad Khan (49), a resident of Jamaica Hills originally from Sylhet Sadar, obtained nearly $600,000 through seven fictitious businesses. He faces up to 15 years in prison.
Tanvir Milan (55), a resident of Farmingdale, Long Island, faces the largest allegations. Through nine fake business entities, he allegedly attempted to obtain approximately $2.7 million. He is originally from the Bikrampur region of Dhaka. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years in prison.
Junaid Khan (56), a resident of Deer Park, Long Island, originally from Moulvibazar District, embezzled approximately $200,000 through eight fictitious business entities.

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