FBI takes Lehigh Acres man into custody on unemployment and CARES Act fraud charges

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Allen Bien-Aime (Photo provided by FBI)

The FBI in Fort Lauderdale has taken into custody Allen Bien-Aime of Lehigh Acres, who was wanted for his alleged involvement in fraudulent unemployment insurance and CARES Act claims.

The claims were submitted to the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (RIDLT), and elsewhere, for benefits funded in part by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Bien-Aime was allegedly involved in complex schemes to use stolen personal identifying information belonging to Rhode Islanders, and others, to apply online for unemployment benefits, and to have those benefits direct deposited into one of many bank accounts opened expressly for receiving fraudulently obtained unemployment insurance benefit payments, as well as fraudulently obtained federal and state tax refunds.

It is alleged that, using stolen personal identifying information, fraudulent applications were filed with RIDLT or other state unemployment systems to obtain unemployment benefits.

It is also alleged that the fraudulently obtained funds were withdrawn shortly after the funds were deposited and posted to bank accounts in the names of other individuals.

On October 6, 2020, a federal arrest warrant was issued for Bien-Aime after he was charged with Fraud by Wire; Bank Fraud; Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Bank Fraud; Access Device Fraud; Money Laundering; Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering; Aggravated Identity Theft; Theft of Public Money; and Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Public Money, Conspiracy to Commit Access Device Fraud, and Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Identity Theft.

Bien-Aime last resided in Lehigh Acres, authorities say.

Anyone with more information regarding Bien-Aime should call the FBI Boston Division at 1-857-386-2000. Tips can also be electronically submitted at tips.fbi.gov.

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