Issa Asad, CEO of Q Link Wireless LLC, and the company itself have been sentenced for their involvement in a scheme to defraud federal programs. The case involves over $100 million stolen from a program designed to provide discounted phone services to those in need. Asad was also involved in laundering money from another federal program intended to aid individuals and businesses affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Both Asad and Q Link were charged with conspiring to commit wire fraud, steal government money, and defraud the United States. Asad faced additional charges of money laundering. He received a 60-month prison sentence while Q Link agreed to pay over $109 million as part of a forfeiture judgment. Together, they are responsible for paying more than $128 million in restitution and financial penalties.
U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne stated that “Issa Asad and his company, Q Link Wireless, deliberately scammed two vital government programs aimed at supporting people and companies in economic distress.” This sentiment was echoed by other officials involved in the investigation.
Kareem Carter of IRS-CI highlighted the scale of the fraud: “This was a brazen scheme of staggering proportions.” Inspector General Fara Damelin noted that this sentencing sends an important message about criminal misconduct against FCC programs.
The fraudulent activities included making false claims for reimbursement from the Lifeline program, which offers discounts on communication services for low-income consumers. Asad directed these illegal activities since 2012 through at least 2021.
Asad also engaged in fraudulent practices related to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) during the pandemic by making false statements about Q Link’s business operations.
The resolution marks one of the largest criminal matters involving the FCC and is significant within Florida’s Southern District history.
The case was investigated by several agencies including FCC-OIG, USPIS, IRS-CI’s Global Illicit Financial Team, and SIGPR. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Young and John Shipley prosecuted it with others handling asset forfeiture and restitution aspects.
For further details on court documents related to this case number 24-cr-20363 can be accessed online via specified court websites.
