Man Arrested for Selling $750 Million in Nonexistent Masks to VA
June 06, 2020
A man was arrested after he allegedly attempted to sell the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) $750 million in respiratory masks and other protective gear that did not actually exist. Christopher Parris, of Atlanta, Georgia was charged with wire fraud for the attempted scam.
Parris claimed to be able to acquire millions of genuine 3M masks and personal protective equipment (PPE) from domestic suppliers. The cost for this equipment was $750 million and he requested huge payments upfront to secure the masks. He is accused of knowing that he would not be able to fulfil the orders.
The VA was not the only agency Parris targeted. He attempted to sell the masks to other entities and targeted state governments too. In the past, Parris had also been accused of being involved in another multimillion-dollar Ponzi scheme scam in Rochester, New York.
Parris faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 if convicted. He will be extradited to Washington D.C. to face trial. The case was investigated by the VA, Officer of the Inspector General and Homeland Security.
Attorney General William Barr, said, “We will vigorously pursue fraudsters who exploit the COVID-19 pandemic to make money. As this case demonstrates, even beyond the typical costs associated with unlawful behavior, COVID-19 scams divert government time and resources and risk preventing front-line responders and consumers from obtaining the equipment they need to combat this pandemic. The Department of Justice will not tolerate this conduct, especially when it involves this kind of egregious attempt to target and defraud our nation’s treasures – our veterans.”
Mask shortages have been an issue everywhere, and the VA has been accused of struggling to meet the needs of its staff. Reports have surfaced saying that VA facilities are rationing masks and other PPE. Official statements from the VA though state that CDC guidelines are being followed and that sufficient PPE is available and in use by all who need it.