Three Executives Indicted, Fraudulently Selling Chinese Forklifts, Evading Tariffs Tuesday — Two Companies and Three Executives Indicted for Fraudulently Selling Chinese Forklifts to U.S. Government as “Made in America” and Evading Tariffs | United States Justice Department.
Firkins, Blasdel, Antczak, Endless and Octane are also accused with conspiring to enter goods into the United States by means of false or fraudulent statements. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado, and DOJ’s Antitrust Division for their steadfast commitment to holding these individuals accountable.”“This indictment reflects the commitment of the Air Force to uphold the integrity in public contracting and protect taxpayer dollars,” said Director Jason T. announcement Two Companies and Three Executives Indicted for Fraudulently Selling Chinese Forklifts to U.S. The indictment also claims that Endless, Octane, Firkins, Blasdel, and
Antczak conspired with an unnamed Chinese national and a Chinese manufacturer to create fake commercial invoices that fraudulently undervalued the cost of forklifts that Endless and Octane imported into the United States, thereby defrauding the government of over $1 million in applicable tariffs, duties, and fees. “These indictments demonstrate our special agents’ commitment to pursue allegations of procurement fraud and protect the government’s supply chain.”“My office is committed to protecting taxpayer dollars and the integrity of federal procurement,” said Inspector General Joseph V. For the individuals, each count of conviction carries a
maximum punishment of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. “The US Army will not tolerate contract fraud and will vigorously pursue all available legal recourse.”Firkins, Blasdel, Antczak, Endless, and Octane have been accused with conspiring to commit wire fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. Finally, Blasdel has been accused with making false statements to the government, which carries a maximum punishment of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000.If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any prison term after considering the U.S. We will continue to pursue accountability wherever