Federal authorities seized $8.4 million in coronavirus pandemic relief loans obtained by a family running a fake ministry in Florida, according to reports.
Joshua Edwards, a vice president of ASLAN International Ministry, applied for a $6.91 million loan from the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
Edwards portrayed his ministry as a successful organization with just under 500 employees, with monthly payrolls totaling $2.76 million and revenues exceeding $51 million, the Orlando Sentinel reported, citing court documents.
The federal PPP program eventually provided Edwards’ ministry with funds in excess of what he asked. He had provided IRS documents and bank account summaries with a cover letter from an accounting firm.