A press release from the United States Attorney Philip R. Sellinger’s Office, District of New Jersey on Wednesday 29th March, 2023 stated that a Maryland man admitted that he illegally obtained more than US$2 million in COVID-19 Relief Funds.

The release stated that Mohamed Kamara, 42, of Greenbelt, Maryland, who is believed to be the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) Jagaban and also one of the party financiers for the June 24 multitier elections, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas to two counts of an indictment charging him with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:
From March 2020 to October 2020, Kamara and others made fraudulent applications to the Small Business Administration (SBA) for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). The SBA provided EIDLs collectively worth more than US$750, 000.00. Kamara received or attempted to receive funds in connection with the EIDLs.

From January 2020 to September 2020, fraudulent applications were submitted to the state of New Jersey for unemployment insurance benefits using the names, dates of birth, and/or Social Security numbers of other individuals. The state approved and transferred more than US$1 million, including funds to an account Kamara controlled. Sentencing is scheduled for October 10, 2023.

The charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud are each punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of US$250,000, or twice the gross profits or gross loss suffered by the victims of his offense, whichever is greatest.

Meanwhile, in a recent statement released by Jagaban Team USA, the organization has come forward to address misinformation circulating on social media regarding Mr. Mohamed O. Kamara, popularly known as Jagaban.

The statement clarifies that Kamara is not involved in any fraudulent activity related to COVID-19 Relief Funds, as had been erroneously reported.
“We want to make it explicitly clear that that this case does not pertain to Sheik Alhaji Mohamed Omodu Kamara, widely known as Jagaban. Mr. Jagaban is a distinguished businessman, philanthropists, and dedicated political figure with an impeccable track record of integrity and community service,” the organization stated.
It furthered that Jagaban has never pleaded guilty in any United States court, and he has no affiliation with the case in New Jersey that has been the source of the information.
The organization therefore urged the public to rely on accurate information and appealed for understanding and cooperation in preventing the spread of false information.