Georgia Man Charged in $750 Million Coronavirus 3M Face Mask Scam
According to the criminal complaint, 39-year-old Christopher Parris promised the DVA that he could get 125 million face masks from domestic 3M factories which, along with other personal protective equipment, had a total value of $750 million. (ShutterStock)
(IBEXNews) – An Atlanta man tried to scam the Department of Veterans Affairs by selling them millions of protective coronavirus masks that didn’t exist, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a release. He was arrested on Friday and charged with fraud.
According to the criminal complaint, 39-year-old Christopher Parris promised the DVA that he could get 125 million face masks from domestic 3M factories which, along with other personal protective equipment, had a total value of $750 million. Face masks have been in short supply during the coronavirus pandemic, and are currently reserved for health care workers and medical first responders.
However, the government alleges, Parris knew full well that he couldn’t secure those goods, and tried to make other fraudulent deals with state governments, too.
“We will vigorously pursue fraudsters who exploit the COVID-19 pandemic to make money,” said Attorney General William Barr in the release. “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.”
Parris will be extradited to Washington, D.C., to stand trial. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.
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