November 24, 2025 | JacobiJournal.com – A federal grand jury has returned a 10-count indictment against Anthony Mark Silva, 40, from Manchester, New Hampshire, for a massive California unemployment fraud scheme. Silva faces nine counts of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft, related to false claims filed with the California Employment Development Department (EDD).
How Silva Orchestrated the Fraud
Between July 2020 and June 2021, Silva allegedly collected personally identifiable information—including names, birth dates, and Social Security numbers—to submit fraudulent unemployment claims. These claims targeted Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and other CARES Act benefits. Many “claimants” were not unemployed or eligible for California unemployment benefits, and Silva did not have authorization to file on their behalf.
What the Scheme Cost Taxpayers
EDD approved dozens of Silva’s fraudulent claims and authorized Bank of America to issue debit cards loaded with unemployment benefits. Silva reportedly activated these debit cards and spent the funds personally, resulting in actual losses exceeding $700,000.
Why Authorities Are Taking Action
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General and EDD’s Investigation Division. Prosecutors warn that COVID-19 relief programs remain a target for fraud, highlighting the need for robust identity verification and oversight. Silva faces a statutory maximum of 30 years in prison for the bank fraud counts and a mandatory two-year consecutive sentence for aggravated identity theft if convicted.
Ensuring Stronger Safeguards in Unemployment Benefits
Federal authorities continue to tighten fraud detection measures, particularly for programs like Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. The indictment serves as a reminder that unemployment benefits, while vital for Californians, are vulnerable to organized schemes.
For more details on the case, visit the official U.S. Department of Justice press release here.
FAQs: California Unemployment Fraud
Who is charged in this California unemployment fraud case?
Anthony Mark Silva, 40, of Manchester, New Hampshire, was indicted for nine counts of bank fraud or unemployment fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
How much money was stolen in the scheme?
Authorities report that Silva’s fraudulent claims caused losses exceeding $700,000.
Which benefits were targeted in the unemployment fraud?
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and other CARES Act-related unemployment benefits.
What penalties could Silva face if convicted?
He faces up to 30 years in prison for bank fraud counts and an additional two-year mandatory sentence for aggravated identity theft, plus fines up to $1 million per count.
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