Pittsburgh Business Owners Sentenced for SNAP Fraud
A federal judge sentenced two local owners to probation and ordered restitution for a long-running EBT card scheme.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Financial Crime
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Two Pittsburgh business owners have been sentenced to seven years of probation after pleading guilty to felony charges involving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program fraud. The defendants operated a scheme where they purchased EBT cards at a discount to stock their own business.
Why it matters
The case highlights the severity of systemic manipulation of government benefits designed to assist low-income residents. By diverting these funds for personal profit, the defendants undermined the integrity of programs intended to support food security.
Judge Jennifer Salter ordered seven years of probation, including one year of electronic monitoring, for the pair. The court also mandated that the defendants pay restitution for the $178,000 in benefits they illegally processed.
The players
Rachna Anwar
She is a Pittsburgh business owner who pleaded guilty to felony charges related to the illegal trafficking of government benefits.
Munir Chaudhri
He is a Pittsburgh business owner who acted as a co-defendant in the SNAP fraud scheme.
Jennifer Salter
She is the judge who oversaw the case and issued the sentencing order for the defendants.
The details
Rachna Anwar and Munir Chaudhri purchased 450 EBT cards from beneficiaries at a discount, later using the cards to buy goods at Sam's Club and other retailers. They then sold those items for profit at their own restaurant and deli, completing more than 800 fraudulent transactions.
Timeline
The pair was initially charged in January 2026.
The defendants were sentenced for the fraud in October 2026.
Legal Context
This case follows a pattern of heightened enforcement regarding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) federal statutes. It reflects a growing judicial emphasis on prosecuting systemic fraud that diverts taxpayer resources from intended recipients.
The conviction serves as a notice to local retailers regarding the legal consequences of engaging in the illicit purchase or exchange of government benefits. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity regarding EBT cards to ensure program funds reach eligible individuals.
The takeaway
Fraudulent use of social safety net programs carries severe legal consequences beyond simple fines, including long-term probationary oversight. Business owners must ensure their procurement practices remain compliant with federal regulations to avoid criminal prosecution.
Further reading
Learn more about local enforcement efforts in the Financial Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WKBN.
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Do you believe current penalties for businesses abusing public food benefit programs are sufficient?
