Kasali used the COVID-19 pandemic to obtain $2 million fraudulently
A Nigerian American Lola Shalewa Barbara Kasali, has appeared in a Texan court after defrauding the American government of $1.9 million. Kasali fraudulently obtained the huge sum in Paycheck Protection Programme (PPP) loans. Kasali, 22, of Houston, has been charged with making false statements to a financial institution, wire fraud, bank fraud and engaging in unlawful monetary transactions. She allegedly obtained the sum through The Small Business Administration (SBA) guarantees PPP loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Kasali is alleged to have submitted at least two fraudulent PPP loan applications – one on behalf of an entity called Lola’s Level and the other in the name of Charm Hair Extensions. Kasali allegedly received more than $1.9 million in PPP loan funds following the approval of the Lola’s Level application. The charges allege that after receiving the funds, Kasali transferred the money into four additional bank accounts. Authorities were later able to seize the funds.

In the loan applications, Kasali claimed that both Charm Hair Extensions and Lola’s Level had numerous employees and significant payroll expenses. Investigations would reveal that neither entity has employees nor pays wages consistent with the amounts claimed in the loan applications.