A 43-year-old Nigerian woman was charged in Funke Iyanda, the United States of America, allegedly suspected of defrauding the Pennsylvania Department of Labor.
Acting U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti announced this in a statement issued by the U.S. Department of Justice on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
According to the statement, if found guilty, Iyanda faces 10 years in prison, up to $250,000 fine, or both.
“Nigerian nationals living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh,” the statement said.
“The single charge, 43, is named Funke Iyanda, who has no U.S. status and is the only defendant.
“According to the indictment, from May 27, 2020 to May 24, 2021, Iyanda prepared a false application for another person in the PA Department of Labor and filed an application for pandemic unemployment assistance benefits and filed an approximately $40,980 unemployment benefits to the PA Department of Labor and Iyanda received approximately $40,980 in compensation.
“The law provides that the maximum sentence is up to 10 years, fines are as high as $250,000, or both.
“According to federal sentencing guidelines, the actual sentence will be based on the seriousness of the crime and the defendant’s previous criminal history, if any.
“Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory C. Melucci prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
“The U.S. Department of Labor and Department of Homeland Security conducted an investigation, resulting in an indictment.
“Prosecution is a charge. Unless and proven guilty, the defendant is considered innocent.”
