GARNER, N.C.–He may not be sentenced to the sky cells, but a North Carolina man could be headed to prison if found guilty of an alleged Paycheck Protection Program loan fraud scheme involving fraudulent loan applications from companies with names drawn from the popular HBO series Game of Thrones.
According to the Department of Justice, Tristan Bishop Pan, 38 received at least $1.7 million before government officials seized some of the benefits he received as part of an alleged attempt to steal more than $6 million from the PPP.
The Justice Department said Pan filed applications on behalf of businesses called White Walker, Khaleesi and The Night's Watch, in addition to another named Pan Insurance Agency.
In completing the loan applications, Pan allegedly submitted false statements about each company's respective employee roster and payroll expenses. He received loan money after applications filed on behalf of Pan Insurance Agency and White Walker were approved, the Justice Department said.
Pan has been charged with wire fraud, bank fraud and engaging in unlawful monetary transactions. Overall, the Justice Department is alleging Pan submitted 14 applications for fraudulent PPP loans.