Russian-speaking couple from California stole over $ 20 million from COVID-19 relief funds

California couple sentenced to prison for COVID fraud, reports New York Post.

Photo: Shutterstock

A California couple have been sentenced to prison for illegally receiving more than $ 20 million from COVID-19 relief funds, but authorities need to catch them first.

Richard Ayvazyan, 43, was sentenced to 17 years in prison, and his wife, 37-year-old Marietta Terabelian, was sentenced on November 15 to six years in federal prison for conspiracy, banking fraud and money laundering, the Justice Department said.

The two are hiding from the authorities and were sentenced in absentia.

Federal officials said they turned off their tracking bracelets on Aug. 29, federal officials said.

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During the sentencing, US District Judge Stephen W. Wilson said he could not recall a similar fraud case conducted in such a "heartless, deliberate manner without any observance of the law."

Wilson described Ayvazyan as "an indiscriminate, heartless con man who does not respect the law" and a man who "considers fraud to be an achievement."

The judge also sentenced Ayvazyan's brother, 41-year-old Artur, to five years in prison.

On June 25, a federal jury found Richard Ayvazyan, Artur Ayvazyan, and Marietta Terabelian guilty on one count of conspiracy to commit banking and electronic fraud, 11 counts of electronic fraud, eight counts of banking fraud and one count each a charge of conspiracy to launder money.

Richard Ayvazyan and his brother were also convicted of aggravated identity theft.

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $ 20 for information leading to the arrest of Richard Ayvazyan and Marietta Terabelian.

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