HARRISBURG — Attorney General Dave Sunday announced charges against two Pittsburgh business owners regarding an elaborate Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) scheme, involving discounted purchases of EBT cards, which were then used to buy food for the couple’s deli and restaurant.
Rachna Anwar, 46, and Munir Chaudhri, 62, both of Peebles Road, are each charged with numerous felonies, including corrupt organizations and dealing in the proceeds of unlawful activity.
Arrangements are being made for the couple to surrender and be arraigned.
The Office of Attorney General investigation showed that the pair purchased EBT cards, at a discount from individuals receiving the benefits, then used the cards to make more than $178,000 in purchases at Sam’s Club and other retailers. The pair then sold the goods at a restaurant and deli, both located on East Ohio Street.
“These defendants intentionally manipulated a system designed to help underserved residents — all to increase profits at their businesses,” Attorney General Sunday said. “Investigators sifted through hundreds of transactions to uncover the scheme and filed very serious charges.”
In all, the pair made more than 800 transactions, mostly food items, involving 450 EBT cards — totalling $178,289.
Among the purchases were beef, chicken, bread, water, soda and other drinks.
The cases will be prosecuted by the Office of Attorney General’s Organized Retail Crime Unit. Criminal charges, and any discussion thereof, are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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