David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that Omar Rajeh, 57, from Hamden, has been sentenced to 15 months in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill delivered the sentence in Bridgeport for defrauding COVID-19 pandemic relief programs of over $750,000. In addition to imprisonment, Rajeh will serve two years of supervised release and pay a $2,000 fine.
Court documents reveal that the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provided financial assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic through programs like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs). These were managed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
Rajeh had ownership interests in Mediterranea LLC and M. Café Inc., both based in New Haven. He re-registered his previously dissolved restaurant entity Al Amir LLC in July 2020 to apply for pandemic loans.
Between June 2020 and May 2021, Rajeh’s businesses received about $1,057,244 through PPP and EIDL funding with fraudulent applications prepared by his accountant Yasir Hamed. The applications falsely claimed Al Amir LLC was operational as of February 2020 and included false employee data and IRS forms.
Rajeh used most funds for personal expenses including purchasing property in North Haven while giving Hamed approximately 10 percent as kickbacks.
He agreed to pay restitution of $758,279 which he admitted was fraudulently obtained but is not required to return $298,965 received legitimately for his restaurant business.
Rajeh pleaded guilty on December 20, 2023 to wire fraud and illegal monetary transactions charges and must report to prison on October 1.
Hamed pleaded guilty on May 9, 2025 to related charges and awaits sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation Division with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Reports of COVID-19-related fraud can be made via the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline or their online complaint form.
