Issa Asad, the CEO of Q Link Wireless LLC, and his company have been sentenced for defrauding government programs. Asad, 51, from Southwest Ranches, Florida, and Q Link Wireless from Dania Beach, Florida were found guilty of a scheme that defrauded a federal program aimed at providing discounted phone services to those in need.
The charges included conspiring to commit wire fraud and stealing government money. Additionally, Asad faced charges of money laundering related to another fraudulent scheme targeting a federal program designed to help those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Asad received a sentence of 60 months in prison. Q Link Wireless agreed to pay over $109 million as part of a forfeiture money judgment. The total financial penalties and restitution exceeded $128 million.
U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne stated: "Issa Asad and his company, Q Link Wireless, deliberately scammed two vital government programs aimed at supporting people and companies in economic distress." The statement emphasized the importance of holding those responsible for corporate fraud accountable.
Executive Special Agent Kareem Carter remarked on the scale of the fraud: “This was a brazen scheme of staggering proportions.” Inspector General Fara Damelin highlighted the significance of this sentencing for protecting FCC programs: “This sentencing sends an important message that egregious criminal misconduct against FCC programs will not go unanswered.”
The fraudulent activities involved creating false claims for reimbursement from the FCC’s Lifeline program meant for low-income households. These actions caused significant losses to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Asad also made false statements regarding Q Link’s business to obtain Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans during the pandemic.
This case marks one of the largest criminal matters involving the FCC in Southern District of Florida history. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Young and John Shipley prosecuted the case with others handling asset forfeiture and restitution.
Further information can be accessed on official court websites under case number 24-cr-20363.
