Philly man admits to $2 million personal protective equipment scheme

A Philadelphia man has admitted that he orchestrated a $2 million scheme in which he falsely promised to sell PPE during early days of pandemic
Coronavirus protection equipment in medical waste bin
Coronavirus protection equipment in medical waste bin. Used face masks and sterile gloves. Doctor uniform for patient treatment in hospital. Prevention the spread of COVID-19. Photo credit Getty Images

A Philadelphia man admitted Wednesday that he orchestrated a $2 million scheme in which he falsely promised to sell personal protective equipment.

Guaravjit Singh, 26, pleaded guilty to a wire fraud charge, according to federal prosecutors in New Jersey. He now faces up to 20 years in prison when he's sentenced Feb. 10.

Live On-Air
Ask Your Smart Speaker to Play K N X News
KNX News 97.1 FM
Listen Now
Now Playing
Now Playing

Beginning in May 2020, Singh induced 10 victims to send him more than $2 million overall that he was supposed to use to obtain various personal protective equipment, prosecutors said.

But he failed to provide anything and instead spent the money on personal expenses, such as online gaming, and also transferred funds to his brokerage account.

In one instance, Singh made an agreement that called for him to be paid about $7.1 million in exchange for about 1.5 million medical gowns, which ultimately were to be sourced to New York City.

The victims wired him $712,500 as a down payment but he did not deliver the items, and then made more misrepresentations and excuses to the victims while falsely ensuring them they would receive the medical gowns.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Getty Images