Euclid man, 2 brothers charged with stealing $7 million in COVID relief funds for 70 fraudulent businesses

The brothers were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

EUCLID, Ohio — A man from Euclid along with his two brothers are charged with receiving $7 million in coronavirus relief funds after creating 70 fake businesses.

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According to court records, Zaur Kalantarli of Euclid, Ali Kalantarli of Los Angeles and Aydin Kalantarov of Los Angeles conspired to create the businesses and receive the loans.

The three men created 70 businesses and applied for 47 loans. Court records show the men used their names as well as their spouses’ names to file for loans.

“Based on false information submitted by Zaur, Ali, and Aydin, the SBA approved EIDL loans for the fictitious corporations,” the court records stated.

The fictional businesses were focused around agriculture. Agricultural Worms and Fertilizers, Ohio Almonds and Peanuts, Organic Ohio Berries, Ohio Red Wiggler Worms, Organic Onions Ohio, and Best Corns of Ohio were some of the names of the 70 fraudulent businesses. 

Most of these businesses received loans for $150,000.

According to court records, the brothers used the money to purchase property. Zaur bought two houses in Euclid, Ali bought two houses in South Euclid and a Jeep Wrangler, and Aydin bought two houses in Irvine, California. 

The men have an arraignment date set for December 14.

The brothers were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

You can read the entire indictment below:

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xf6ENTrwWDY

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