Julie Clover
Six former Apple employees have been charged with running a charity scheme to defraud Apple out of thousands of dollars, according to the Santa Clara County District Attorney.
Apple has a program that matches or doubles employee donations to charities, and the employees concocted a plan to make fake donations and collect money from Apple.
Ringleader Siu Kay Kwan coerced five other Apple employees into donating to the American-Chinese International Cultural Exchange (ACICE) or Hop4Kids, both of which he was affiliated with. After Apple doubled the donations, the original money was returned to the employees and the doubled money was kept. The employees also wrote off their fake charitable donations on their tax returns, earning extra money.
Between July 1, 2018, and April 6, 2021, the employees collected approximately $152,000 from the Apple program and inflated $100,000 in charitable contributions as tax deductions. Apple discovered the fraud and brought it to the attention of the District Attorney. From Santa Clara District Attorney Jeff Rosen:
This case underscores our unwavering commitment to vigorously pursuing individuals who defraud the tech community and misuse vital charitable programs and government resources. We thank Apple for coming forward and actively collaborating with our office to uncover this complex fraud. We encourage others in the tech community to do the same. The holidays are here. Donate — legally — to those in need, not to yourself.
Six former Apple employees involved in the scheme have been charged with grand theft, conspiracy to commit a felony, perjury, and tax fraud. Because of the amount of money involved, they are being charged under California's enhanced criminal justice system.
If convicted, the six face jail time, fines, and fees, including restitution for the money they raised.
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