Two Pennsylvania men have been indicted on charges related to a scheme that allegedly defrauded the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program of nearly $220,000. United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Alexander Daravina, also known as Alexander Danazina and “Colombian Al,” 38, of Dallas, Pennsylvania, and Moses Benabe, 25, of Philadelphia, have been charged with conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, seven counts of wire fraud, and seven counts of aggravated identity theft.
According to the indictment, between July 2020 and September 2020, Daravina was incarcerated at State Correctional Institution Phoenix. While there, he allegedly obtained personal identification information—including names, dates of birth, and social security numbers—of dozens of individuals such as other inmates. The indictment states that Daravina then provided this information to Benabe and others so they could apply for PUA benefits on behalf of these individuals despite knowing they were not eligible.
The PUA program was established in March 2020 under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to provide unemployment benefits to people who did not qualify for regular or extended unemployment compensation. Approved applicants received benefits through electronic transfer or by check or debit card sent to their listed address.
The indictment further alleges that Benabe used the information supplied by Daravina—including data from SCI Phoenix inmates—to submit fraudulent applications for PUA benefits. When these applications were approved, debit cards containing benefit funds were mailed to addresses controlled by members of the alleged conspiracy. The group is accused of withdrawing cash from ATMs and making purchases using these cards.
“If convicted,” according to the announcement from U.S. Attorney Metcalf’s office, “the defendants each face a maximum possible sentence of 161 years’ imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum of two years’ imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $3.75 million fine.”
The FBI and Department of Labor Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Mark Dubnoff is prosecuting.
“The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.”
