Great Lakes Wire

Three Macomb County residents have pleaded guilty to participating in a scheme to defraud the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) of more than $3 million, according to an announcement from United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. The defendants—Rita Shaba, 39, of Macomb; Samer Kammo, 45, of Shelby Township; and Christina Anasi, 35, also of Shelby Township—admitted their roles in submitting fraudulent PPP loan applications.

Shaba and Kammo entered their guilty pleas before Judge Jonathan J.C. Grey. Anasi had previously pleaded guilty to the same conspiracy charge.

Court records indicate that the group submitted false PPP applications for several business entities. These applications misrepresented payroll figures and included fake certifications about how the funds would be used. The defendants also provided fictitious payroll documents, health insurance information, bank statements, and tax records as part of their scheme.

Authorities report that over $3 million was obtained through these fraudulent loans. Law enforcement has recovered more than $2.1 million so far.

The PPP was established by Congress to help businesses impacted by economic disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

U.S. Attorney Gorgon said, “While the numbers fraudsters used to illicitly enrich themselves were fake, the prison time they’re facing is very real. My office is committed to holding accountable all those who chose to exploit a global pandemic to steal from hardworking taxpayers.”

Reuben Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office stated: “Today’s guilty plea reaffirms that those who exploit government programs intended to assist the American people during a national crisis, will be held fully accountable under federal law,” adding that Shaba stole from citizens and struggling businesses during the pandemic and undermined trust in relief efforts.

Jared Murphey, acting Special Agent in Charge for ICE HSI Detroit said: “This money was designed to support businesses and help them navigate the pandemic, instead these defendants used it to enrich themselves and deprive honest businesses of much needed assistance,” warning that law enforcement will continue pursuing such cases.

Sentencing dates are set for early January 2026: Shaba on January 5th; Anasi on January 7th; Kammo on January 15th. Each defendant faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted on all charges.

The investigation was conducted by special agents from both FBI Detroit and ICE HSI Detroit offices and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Yahkind.