FBI Arrested Massachusetts State Rep. Francisco Paulino – Charged in an Alleged Scheme Involving COVID-19 Relief Fraud and Money Laundering
By FBI Director Kash Patel
This morning, the FBI arrested Massachusetts State Rep. Francisco Paulino – charged in an alleged scheme involving COVID-19 relief fraud and money laundering.
Paulino allegedly stole approximately $700,000 in pandemic relief funded by taxpayers, using it for personal expenses like real estate, loan payments, and transfers to his campaign account.
Paulino also allegedly loaned taxpayer funds out at a significantly higher interest rate than he was paying.
He is charged with eight counts of wire fraud and three counts of unlawful monetary transactions/money laundering.
This comes after the FBI and partners arrested Lawrence, Mass mayor Brian DePena earlier this month for similar fraud allegations.
This is an ongoing investigation. No one is above the law.
