$483K Amazon Fraud: Woman Faces Consequences for Deceptive Scheme
Tiffany Vo, 37, of Denver, has been sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for defrauding her employer, Amazon. The sentencing was announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado. Vo was also ordered to pay $483,393.58 in restitution.
Guilty Plea to Wire Fraud
Vo pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud related to her scheme. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, she worked for Amazon from the summer of 2020 until June 2022, overseeing virtual employee programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Scheme Details: Fake Invoices and Expense Reports
In her role at Amazon, Vo devised a fraudulent scheme to submit fake invoices and expense reports, claiming reimbursement for corporate event expenses that never occurred. This deceptive practice ultimately defrauded the company of approximately $483,393.58.
Financial Impact and Accountability
“White-collar crimes like this one cause financial impacts not just to corporate entities, but to consumers and taxpayers,” stated Matt Kirsch, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Colorado. He emphasized the commitment to prosecuting criminals who exploit their access for personal gain.
Lavish Lifestyle Funded by Stolen Funds
According to the department, Vo used the stolen funds to finance a lavish lifestyle. Her purchases included designer handbags, sunglasses, two vehicles, exercise equipment, beauty products, and payments on her condominium.
FBI’s Role in Unraveling the Scheme
“Instead of working for her employer, this defendant was furtively working against her employer. Over the course of her deception, she stole nearly $500,000 and used the money to live exorbitantly beyond her means,” said Mark Michalek, FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge. He praised the members of the FBI’s Denver complex financial crimes squad for their efforts in unraveling Vo’s embezzlement scheme, noting that she now faces the justice she earned.
