Clare E. Connors, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii
A Kapolei woman, Phoebe Trinh, also known as Phuong Trinh Ngoc Vo, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to fraudulent claims for unemployment insurance and pandemic unemployment assistance. The indictment includes nine counts of wire fraud and three counts of aggravated identity theft.
The charges involve the misuse of both unemployment insurance and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) programs. The PUA program was established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in 2020 to support workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic who were not eligible for state unemployment benefits.
According to the indictment, Trinh submitted a false claim for unemployment benefits through the Hawaii Department of Industrial and Labor Relations (DLIR) website. It is alleged that she falsely certified her unemployment status to receive payments unlawfully. Additionally, Trinh is accused of using another individual's personal information without their consent to obtain PUA benefits, directing these payments into her bank account.
Trinh allegedly acquired approximately $36,265 in unwarranted benefits from these programs. Each wire fraud count could result in up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, while each aggravated identity theft count carries a two-year prison sentence. It is important to note that an indictment is an accusation; Trinh remains innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
The Attorney General's COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force was established on May 17, 2021, aiming to combat pandemic-related fraud by coordinating efforts across government agencies. This task force focuses on prosecuting domestic and international criminal actors involved in such schemes.
The U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General is investigating this case with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregg Paris Yates.
For those with information regarding attempted COVID-19 related frauds, reports can be made via the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud at 866-720-5721 or online at www.justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm.
