St. Louis Man Indicted on Fraud Charges

St. Louis, MO – Syed Tariq Ali, St. Louis, Missouri, was arrested this morning on a two-count indictment alleging false statements with respect to federal housing program and bank fraud. 

According to the indictment, Ali accepted illegal payments outside of a HUD lease during 2013 and 2014 and granted his tenant an interest in the rental property, contrary to his landlord certifications.  Ali is also accused of falsifying endorsements on checks intended for needy members of his mosque between 2008 and 2010.

If convicted, Ali faces up to five years in prison on the HUD false statement charge, a fine of $250,000 or both.  Ali also faces up to 30 years in prison on the bank fraud charge, a fine of up to $1,000,000 or both.  In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.  The government will also seek restitution to all victims.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of HUD-Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Tom Albus is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

As is always the case, charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt.  Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.