Image Credit: Photo By Daniel L. Lu (user:dllu) - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
Cupertino, California: Apple has uncovered a shocking fraud within its Matching Gifts Program, leading to the termination of several employees, including many Telugu-speaking staff.
The program, designed to amplify employee donations to charities, was exploited to funnel money back to individuals, resulting in a loss of $152,000.
Key Facts:
- Six former Apple employees have been charged with fraud, grand theft, and tax violations.
- Nearly 185 employees were implicated, many allegedly involved with Telugu nonprofit organizations.
- The scheme involved fake donations, with Apple unknowingly matching these contributions.
The fraud was discovered when Apple’s finance team noticed irregularities in donation patterns.
Employees used a platform called Benevity to make fake donations, which were later reimbursed while Apple matched these amounts.
Telugu nonprofit groups are under investigation, with the FBI and IRS probing their involvement in the scandal.
This case has also put the Telugu Association of North America (TANA) under scrutiny. Authorities have subpoenaed TANA to provide financial records and other documents from 2019–2024 to determine if its funds were misused.
Apple reportedly asked employees involved to resign or face termination, raising concerns about the integrity of its staff and charity partners,
"We are committed to holding those accountable who misuse charitable programs," said District Attorney Jeff Rosen, who praised Apple for helping uncover the scheme.
This shocking incident has raised questions about corporate programs and the role of nonprofit organizations in ensuring transparency.
As investigations continue, Apple’s crackdown serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical practices in both corporate and community spaces.