Apple has terminated 185 employees for engaging in salary fraud by exploiting a charity clause, Indians Also Involved
Apple has terminated 185 employees for engaging in salary fraud by exploiting a charity clause, Indians Also Involved
Apple has allegedly terminated 185 employees at its Cupertino headquarters due to their involvement in financial fraud aimed at increasing their pay. Authorities in the Bay Area have identified six of these individuals, for whom warrants have been issued. Although none of the six are of Indian descent, reports indicate that a significant number of the dismissed employees are Indians who were reportedly exploiting certain Telugu charitable organizations in the United States to perpetrate their fraudulent activities.
Apple is yet to release an official statement regarding this issue.
The allegations center on Apple’s Matching Grants program, a corporate social responsibility effort aimed at enhancing employees’ charitable giving by matching their contributions to nonprofit organizations. Reports indicate that certain employees, in partnership with specific nonprofit groups—some of which are allegedly associated with the Indian community—may have fabricated donations to take advantage of the program, according to abplive.
Employees reportedly contributed funds to nonprofits, which Apple subsequently matched. However, it is alleged that these nonprofits redirected the original donations back to the employees, enabling them to keep Apple’s matching funds. If true, this would not only contravene corporate policies but also breach US tax laws, as the employees’ deceptive claims could be considered tax fraud.
Six individuals allegedly defrauded Apple of around $152,000 over a three-year period by making false claims about donating to two nonprofit organizations: the American Chinese International Cultural Exchange (ACICE) and Hop4Kids, as reported by the Santa Clara County district attorney’s office.
A distinct report from Great Andhra reveals that 185 Apple employees have been terminated, although officials have only disclosed information about 6 individuals facing criminal charges. The report highlights that a significant number of those dismissed are Indian nationals. It alleges that these individuals misappropriated Apple’s Matching Grants program, which is intended to enhance employees’ charitable donations by matching their contributions to non-profit organizations. The accusations indicate that some employees, in conjunction with certain non-profits—allegedly associated with Telugu employees—fabricated donations to take advantage of the program.
The individuals facing charges are:
- – Siu Kei (Alex) Kwan, 37, from Castro Valley
- – Yathei (Hayson) Yuen, 34, from San Jose
- – Yat C (Sunny) Ng, 35, from Milpitas
- – Wentao (Victor) Li, 38, from Hayward
- – Lichao Ni, 39, from Sunnyvale
- – Zheng Chang, 31, from Union City
As reported by the District Attorney’s Office, Kwan, who is recognized as the mastermind behind the operation, held the positions of CEO at Hop4Kids and accountant for ACICE.
Employees reportedly contributed funds to nonprofits, which Apple subsequently matched. However, it is alleged that these nonprofits redirected the initial donations back to the employees, enabling them to keep the matching funds from Apple.
