Apple Fired Around 50 Employees Over Charity Donation Fraud Scheme

https://www.macobserver.com/news/apple-fired-around-50-employees-over-charity-donation-fraud-scheme/

Apple has terminated approximately 50 employees at its Cupertino headquarters following the discovery of a fraudulent scheme involving the company’s Matching Grants program. The program was made to match employee donations to eligible non-profit organizations, but some employees allegedly exploited it to increase their compensation.

Employees worked with certain non-profit organizations to create fake donations. In this scheme, employees made donations that were later returned to them while still keeping Apple’s matching contributions. This arrangement not only breached corporate policies but also potentially violated U.S. tax laws.

The fraud is estimated to have cost Apple around $152,000 over a three-year period. In response, Bay Area authorities have charged these six individuals in connection with the fraudulent activity.

Siu Kei (Alex) Kwan, 37, of Castro Valley
Yathei (Hayson) Yuen, 34, of San Jose
Yat C (Sunny) Ng, 35, of Milpitas
Wentao (Victor) Li, 38, of Hayward
Lichao Ni, 39, of Sunnyvale
Zheng Chang, 31, of Union City