HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced charges against two Pittsburgh business owners accused of orchestrating an alleged Electronic Benefit Transfer fraud scheme that investigators say diverted public assistance funds for private profit.
According to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Rachna Anwar, 46, and Munir Chaudhri, 62, both of Peebles Road, are facing numerous felony charges, including corrupt organizations and dealing in the proceeds of unlawful activity. Authorities said arrangements are being made for the couple to surrender to law enforcement and be arraigned.
Investigators allege the pair purchased EBT cards at discounted rates from individuals receiving benefits, then used those cards to make large-scale food purchases for their restaurant and deli operations. The Office of Attorney General said the investigation revealed more than $178,000 in purchases made at Sam’s Club and other retailers using the cards.
Authorities said the purchased goods — including beef, chicken, bread, bottled water, soda, and other food items — were later sold through a restaurant and deli located on East Ohio Street in Pittsburgh.
“These defendants intentionally manipulated a system designed to help underserved residents — all to increase profits at their businesses,” Sunday said in announcing the charges. He said investigators reviewed hundreds of transactions before filing what he described as serious criminal counts.
In total, investigators allege the pair conducted more than 800 transactions involving approximately 450 EBT cards, with purchases totaling $178,289.
The cases will be prosecuted by the Office of Attorney General’s Organized Retail Crime Unit. Authorities emphasized that the charges are allegations only, and Anwar and Chaudhri are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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