The Charges at a Glance

Former Congressman George Santos was indicted on 23 federal charges spanning wire fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds, and making false statements. The indictment reads like a how-to guide on what not to do in public life.

The Credit Card Scheme

According to prosecutors, Santos and his campaign treasurer allegedly obtained donors' credit card information—without authorization—and charged thousands of dollars in fraudulent contributions. The funds were then laundered through a company controlled by Santos.

How It Worked

Donors gave their credit card info for a one-time contribution
Santos's team allegedly made additional unauthorized charges
Funds were routed through a shell company
Money was used for personal expenses including designer goods

The Unemployment Fraud

During COVID-19, Santos allegedly filed for New York unemployment benefits while simultaneously earning a salary at an investment firm. He collected over $24,000 in fraudulent benefits—money meant for actually unemployed New Yorkers during a pandemic.

The FEC Violations

Santos is also accused of lying on federal campaign finance disclosures, claiming he loaned his campaign $500,000 when no such loan existed. This created the false impression that he was a wealthy, self-funded candidate.

Legal Implications

This case is remarkable for its breadth. Most white-collar defendants face charges related to a single scheme. Santos is accused of running multiple, overlapping fraud operations—any one of which would be career-ending for a normal politician.

Key Takeaways

Wire fraud remains the go-to charge for federal prosecutors because it's broadly applicable
Campaign finance violations are typically civil matters, but false statements to the FEC can be criminal
Unemployment fraud prosecutions surged post-COVID as states audited pandemic-era claims