WASHINGTON–A woman who fled the country after allegedly being part of a scheme that involved scamming a credit union as well as the federal government has agreed to return to the United States and face charges.
The case has been high-profile in Washington and nationally, as the woman’s husband and co-defendant was formerly an IT staffer for Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL).
Hina Alvi, who along with her husband Imran Awan worked for members of the House, has reached a deal with prosecutors and is returning to the U.S. from her native Pakistan. Imran Awan was earlier arrested in July at Dulles Airport in Virginia as he attempted to board a flight to Pakistan. Prosecutors said Alvi will face arraignment as early as Oct. 6, when her husband is also scheduled to appear in court. Awan has entered a plea of not guilty.
A grand jury indictment alleges that Awan and his wife engaged in a conspiracy to obtain home equity lines of credit from the Congressional Federal Credit Union by giving false information about two properties – and then sending the proceeds to individuals in Pakistan, according to Fox Business News.
In addition, Awan and other IT aides who worked for House Democrats are also being investigated for alleged double-billing and equipment theft, and there have also been allegations of improper access to sensitive computer systems.
Wasserman Schultz has been under fire for not firing Awan even after the allegations were raised.
According to authorities, Awan has agreed to turn in his passport upon arrival to the United States.