Fresno Trucker Gets 14 Months for $1M PPP Loan Fraud Scheme

Key Details A 37-year-old Fresno resident has been sentenced to 14 months in federal prison for defrauding the Paycheck Protection Program. Gurjeet Bath pleaded guilty to theft of government property after fraudulently obtaining over $1 million in PPP loans across three separate applications in 2020 and 2021. The Fraud Bath operated two trucking companies - G.S. Bath Inc. and Complete Transportation Solutions - and falsified business records to secure the loans. He inflated employee counts and wage information to make his companies appear eligible for larger PPP amounts. Instead of using the funds for payroll as intended, Bath diverted the money to purchase agricultural land in Fresno County. Why It Matters Bath was ordered to repay $100,000 in restitution, though authorities indicate he's already repaid the stolen funds. Federal prosecutors emphasized that his scheme exploited a program designed to help legitimate businesses survive the pandemic crisis. The case reflects ongoing efforts to hold accountable those who misused emergency relief programs during COVID-19. Lookout The FBI and SBA Office of Inspector General continue investigating PPP fraud cases. If you suspect fraudulent activity in the industry, report it to authorities.