Georgia man recently charged after he allegedly spent a majority of his COVID-19 business relief loan on a single Pokemon card.
Photo via NDTV
Vinath Oudomsine was charged with one count of wire fraud after he reportedly lied on a pandemic economic relief loan application about the number of people his supposed business employed, as well as the company’s total revenue.
According to People, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (C.A.R.E.S.) helps businesses to receive small business loans amid the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In July 2020, Oudomsine applied for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) from the Small Business Association (SBA), later receiving a payment of $85,000 which is around RM353,000, from the organization the following month.
According to a court document, Oudomsine falsely applied for the EIDL by saying he operated a business that existed since 2018 and had ten employees, alongside a yearly revenue of $235,000.
In the court records, it was not indicated what type of business Oudomsine claimed to own.
However, later in January 2021, the Georgia resident then allegedly used the money he was given by the government to buy an unnamed Pokemon card for $57,789 which is around RM239,997.
Photo via Game Rant
AP reports that rare Pokemon cards can sell for thousands of dollars.
Prices for trading cards have risen with demand for the franchise’s collectible items amid the pandemic.
Now, Oudomsine could potentially face a maximum of 20 years in federal prison and a $25,000 in total fines if he is convicted.
Oh no!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
