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Bank fraud cases often arise from lending practices, loan applications, financial statements, wire transfers, or business transactions that later come under federal scrutiny. These matters are typically investigated by federal agencies and prosecuted aggressively, particularly when federally insured or government-backed institutions are involved.
We represent business owners, executives, and professionals facing investigations and charges involving financial institutions and government-backed loan programs.
Bank Fraud — 18 U.S.C. § 1344
Allegations of schemes to defraud a bank or obtain funds through false representations.
False Statements to a Financial Institution — 18 U.S.C. § 1014
Allegedly inaccurate or misleading statements in loan or credit applications.
Wire Fraud — 18 U.S.C. § 1343
Electronic communications or transfers tied to the alleged conduct.
Mail Fraud — 18 U.S.C. § 1341
Use of mailed documents in furtherance of alleged fraud.
Conspiracy — 18 U.S.C. § 371
Frequently added to broaden liability.
Money Laundering — 18 U.S.C. §§ 1956, 1957
Often charged to increase financial exposure.
These cases often involve allegations that loan applications overstated payroll or revenue, funds were used for unauthorized purposes, certifications were inaccurate or incomplete, or multiple entities or related businesses applied for funds.
PPP and EIDL investigations frequently rely on wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343), bank fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1344), and false statement statutes. Because these programs involve federally insured institutions and government guarantees, exposure can be significant.
In larger investigations, prosecutors may attempt to expand financial fraud allegations into a broader enterprise case under RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) — 18 U.S.C. §§ 1961–1964. Wire fraud and bank fraud are listed predicate offenses under 18 U.S.C. § 1961(1). By alleging a “pattern” of activity (18 U.S.C. § 1961(5)), the government may attempt to combine multiple loan applications into a single enterprise theory, attribute conduct across individuals or related entities, increase sentencing exposure, and trigger mandatory forfeiture under 18 U.S.C. § 1963.
Bank and financial fraud offenses carry severe consequences.
Loss calculations under U.S.S.G. § 2B1.1 can significantly increase exposure. Aggregated loan amounts, number of transactions, role enhancements, and alleged sophistication can drive guideline ranges upward. Bank and government-backed loan investigations often begin quietly but escalate quickly. Early legal strategy can influence charging decisions, loss calculations, and long-term exposure.
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