The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine has filed lawsuits against two individuals from South Portland, alleging they fraudulently obtained funds through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which was established as part of the CARES Act to provide pandemic relief.
According to court documents, Ahmed Suja is accused of fraudulently applying for and receiving a PPP loan totaling $20,833. Kamil Suja is similarly alleged to have secured a PPP loan in the amount of $20,832 under false pretenses. The complaints state that both individuals misrepresented themselves as owners and operators of sole proprietorships with annual gross revenues near $100,000. In reality, neither owned any business.
In addition, the complaint against Kamil Suja alleges that he used the loan proceeds on expenses not allowed under program rules, including purchasing a car and making investments on an online trading platform.
The lawsuits were brought under the False Claims Act (FCA) and the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act (FIRREA). The FCA allows for civil penalties and damages against those who knowingly submit false claims to the government. For violations assessed after July 3, 2025, each FCA violation carries a minimum penalty of $14,308. FIRREA authorizes civil penalties up to $2,513,215 per violation when someone knowingly makes a false statement to influence decisions by federal agencies such as the Small Business Administration.
These actions are part of ongoing efforts by federal authorities in Maine to investigate fraudulent activity involving pandemic relief programs. Changes in federal law have extended the statute of limitations for civil and criminal enforcement actions related to PPP loans from six years to ten years.
The cases are identified as United States v. Suja, 2:25-cv-00576-SDN (D. Me.) and United States v. Suja, 2:25-cv-00577-SDN (D. Me.).
“The claims asserted against the defendants are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability,” according to officials from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
