Fraudster steals $15.9M from US taxpayers, blows cash on Ferraris, mansions, and jewelry

A California man admitted to stealing nearly $16 million from U.S. taxpayers in a multiyear COVID-19 relief fraud scheme.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that 45-year-old Emanuel Tucker pleaded guilty after submitting fraudulent applications for pandemic relief loans. Tucker pocketed $15.9 million and used the funds to buy luxury vehicles, multimillion-dollar homes, and diamond-studded jewelry.

Between April 2020 and April 2022, prosecutors said Tucker filed multiple fraudulent applications for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. The paperwork contained numerous misrepresentations tied to businesses he either owned or controlled, ultimately netting him millions.

Among the items Tucker purchased:

Cadillac Escalade
Bentley Continental
Ferrari F8 Tributo
Multimillion-dollar homes
High-end jewelry

“Exploiting pandemic relief meant for struggling Americans is not only morally reprehensible, it’s a betrayal of public trust,” said Jose A. Perez, Assistant Director of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “This defendant orchestrated a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme, weaponizing federal COVID-19 assistance programs for his personal gain. The FBI will always work to make sure those who steal from programs designed to help others are held accountable.”

Tucker pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud. His sentencing is scheduled for December 4, where he faces up to 20 years in federal prison.