“As alleged, Benedetto Cupo orchestrated numerous frauds over the course of years, stealing millions from hard-working New Yorkers’ wages and the public funds they rely on when hurt on the job,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Despite never filing tax returns or remitting his workers’ withholdings, we allege, his companies fraudulently secured substantial PPP loans at the height of the pandemic. This case exemplifies the work that my office’s Rackets Bureau does each and everyday: protect New Yorkers’ wages and New York’s public fisc by uncovering corruption and fraud. I thank them for their work on this case, as well as the numerous partners who helped make this prosecution possible.”

“As alleged in today’s indictment, Elhadji Sene stole the phones and wallet from two Manhattanites and proceeded to use the stolen items to make unauthorized purchases worth thousands of dollars. This is merely the latest indictment Sene faces for repeatedly stealing New Yorkers’ identities and hard-earned money,” said District Attorney Bragg. “This is an ongoing investigation. Please call us at 212-335-8900 if you may be a victim.” 

“Alexis De La Cruz will serve prison time for stealing and forging checks from older adults. I hope today’s sentencing sends a message that we will prosecute those who steal hard-earned money from Manhattanites of any age,” said District Attorney Bragg. “I urge New Yorkers to use secure electronic payment methods, when possible, to protect themselves from check fraud.” 

“As alleged, William Julian posed as a wealthy investor who could help fund business ventures, when in reality, he stole more than $300,000 and spent it on personal expenses,” said District Attorney Bragg. “This is an ongoing investigation, and we believe there may be additional victims: please call our Financial Frauds Bureau at 212-335-8900.” 

“This ring laundered more than $1.2 million through New York’s banks and financial services using checks for personal and corporate accounts, cashiers’ checks, and large cash withdrawals,” said District Attorney Bragg. “From ‘renovations’ to ‘packaging preorder,’ the memo line of check after check was a farce. I thank our dedicated prosecutors for their work on this case and urge New Yorkers to use secure electronic payment methods to prevent future check fraud.”