A Bergen County man has admitted to committing a COVID-19 fraud scheme amounting to over $600,000. Malak Faltawws, also known as “Mark Andrews,” pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Evelyn Padin in Newark federal court on June 10, 2025. The charges include wire fraud and money laundering.
According to the case documents and court statements, Faltawws fraudulently obtained approximately $617,991 from March 2020 through November 2021. He acquired these funds through the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which were intended for distressed small businesses during the pandemic. Faltawws submitted false applications that exaggerated his businesses’ revenue, payroll expenses, and employee numbers. He then used the funds for personal gain.
The wire fraud charge could result in a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, while the money laundering charge carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years. Each charge also includes a possible fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss involved. Sentencing is set for October 22, 2025.
U.S. Attorney Alina Habba credited special agents from the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations and investigators from the New Jersey Motor Vehicles Commission for their roles in the investigation.
The District of New Jersey COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Strike Force is part of a national effort by the U.S. Department of Justice to tackle pandemic-related fraud. These strike forces target large-scale fraud schemes involving criminal organizations and transnational actors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aja Espinosa from the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark represents the government in this case.
For those with information about attempted COVID-19 fraud, reports can be made via the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or through their online complaint form.
Defense counsel for Faltawws includes Areeb Salim, Esq., and Shaiba Rather, Esq.
