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2d ago

Florida Telecom CEO Sentenced to Five Years as Q Link Wireless Agrees to Pay $128 Million

Authorities say the case closed a decade-long conspiracy to cheat the FCC Lifeline subsidy by fabricating usage data, with laundering of Paycheck Protection Program loans forming a key part of the charges.

A Southwest Ranches man was sentenced to five years in prison after stealing over $100 million from the Federal Communications Commission's discounted phone and internet service program in what is considered the largest criminal case ever involving the agency, according to prosecutors. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)
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Overview

  • Issa Asad received a 60-month prison term after pleading guilty in October 2024 to charges of wire fraud, conspiracy and money laundering.
  • Court filings show Q Link Wireless submitted false reimbursement claims from 2012 through 2021 by fabricating customer usage records and deploying coercive scripts.
  • Prosecutors say the scheme siphoned $109.6 million from the FCC’s Lifeline program, which provides discounted phone and broadband services to low-income Americans.
  • Asad admitted laundering approximately $389,000 in Paycheck Protection Program loans, using funds for a Land Rover payment, jewelry and personal expenses.
  • The Justice Department labeled this the largest criminal prosecution of the Lifeline program and the biggest plea agreement in the Southern District of Florida’s history.