Federal authorities have arrested 14 suspects in Los Angeles linked to an Armenian organized crime ring accused of stealing $30 million in COVID relief and Small Business loans intended to support American taxpayers.
The bust, part of a multi-agency operation led by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), marks the second week in a row of early-morning raids targeting transnational criminal groups in the area.
Thirteen of those arrested are Armenian-born, with at least one facing possible deportation. The operation involved agencies including the IRS and the Small Business Administration. Following their arrest, the suspects were taken to a secured processing center, where law enforcement seized $20,000 in cash, money-counting machines, cell phones, laptops, two loaded 9mm handguns, and ammunition.
One of the key figures in the case is William McGrayan, an Armenian-born suspect believed to be the mastermind behind the scheme. Court documents reveal McGrayan allegedly used fake tax and bank documents to establish multiple shell companies, applying for $47 million in federal funds and successfully securing about $30 million.
An informant described McGrayan as “unhinged,” claiming he discussed gang connections in Armenia and once threatened an individual with a gun and a baseball bat. Authorities say McGrayan played a central role in moving stolen money through luxury purchases and overseas transfers, complicating efforts to recover the funds.
McGrayan surrendered during the operation, walking out with his hands raised.
U.S. Attorney for California’s Central District Bill Essayli emphasized the commitment to hold fraudsters accountable: “If you are taking money from the government that doesn’t belong to you, your door could be the next one we’re hitting.”
John Pasciucco, Acting Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in Los Angeles, added, “That’s $47 million in taxpayer funds meant for good use, and these transnational criminal organizations are exploiting the American people’s goodwill for their personal gain.”
The suspects face multiple charges, including conspiracy, wire and bank fraud, and money laundering. Authorities say some of the stolen funds were used to buy houses and luxury goods, while other amounts were sent overseas, making recovery more challenging.
This latest bust follows a dramatic early-morning raid where a special unit inside an armored vehicle cut through a gated driveway and ordered suspects out of their homes.
The ongoing investigation underscores the nationwide effort to combat transnational criminal organizations exploiting government relief programs and harming public safety.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Canberra supports the U.S. strike on Iran and calls for de-escalation and diplomacy.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that U.S. strikes hit entrances to tunnels storing part of Iran’s enriched uranium at the Isfahan nuclear site.
Global oil prices surged on Sunday as the Israel-Iran conflict continued to rattle markets, with Brent crude rising 3.9% to $80 per barrel and U.S. crude climbing 4.3% to $77 per barrel.
Tesla has begun a small-scale robotaxi trial in Austin, Texas, deploying about 10 self-driving cars to pick up paying passengers in a limited area, as the state enacts new regulations for autonomous vehicles.
Israel has reopened its airspace briefly and plans to expand rescue flights to help tens of thousands stranded by widespread cancellations following U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Canberra supports the U.S. strike on Iran and calls for de-escalation and diplomacy.
China has condemned the U.S. strike on Iran’s nuclear sites, warning it has undermined Washington’s credibility and risks triggering a broader regional crisis.
Some Democratic and Republican lawmakers are urging Congress to limit President Donald Trump’s military actions in Iran, warning against deeper U.S. involvement in the escalating Middle East conflict.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that U.S. strikes hit entrances to tunnels storing part of Iran’s enriched uranium at the Isfahan nuclear site.
The Israeli military says Iran has launched missiles at Israel, following Israeli air strikes on military sites in Tehran, Karaj, and other parts of Iran. Iranian air defences have been activated in multiple locations amid escalating hostilities.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
China has unveiled a mosquito-sized bionic drone designed for covert military operations and battlefield reconnaissance, marking a major advance in micro-robotics and stealth technology as part of the country’s growing focus on next-generation warfare capabilities.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
The USS Nimitz is heading to the Middle East amid tensions between Israel and Iran. The U.S. aircraft carrier has a decades-long history in the region, from the 1979 hostage crisis to modern deployments, often serving as a key asset during periods of rising friction with Iran.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will hold an emergency Board of Governors meeting today after U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Canberra supports the U.S. strike on Iran and calls for de-escalation and diplomacy.
China has condemned the U.S. strike on Iran’s nuclear sites, warning it has undermined Washington’s credibility and risks triggering a broader regional crisis.
Some Democratic and Republican lawmakers are urging Congress to limit President Donald Trump’s military actions in Iran, warning against deeper U.S. involvement in the escalating Middle East conflict.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that U.S. strikes hit entrances to tunnels storing part of Iran’s enriched uranium at the Isfahan nuclear site.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Canberra supports the U.S. strike on Iran and calls for de-escalation and diplomacy.
China has condemned the U.S. strike on Iran’s nuclear sites, warning it has undermined Washington’s credibility and risks triggering a broader regional crisis.
Some Democratic and Republican lawmakers are urging Congress to limit President Donald Trump’s military actions in Iran, warning against deeper U.S. involvement in the escalating Middle East conflict.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that U.S. strikes hit entrances to tunnels storing part of Iran’s enriched uranium at the Isfahan nuclear site.
The Israeli military says Iran has launched missiles at Israel, following Israeli air strikes on military sites in Tehran, Karaj, and other parts of Iran. Iranian air defences have been activated in multiple locations amid escalating hostilities.
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