Georgia Man Spent $57,000 in Fraudulent COVID-19 Relief Funds on a Pokémon Card

A Georgia man faces multiple fraud charges after receiving COVID-19 relief funds and spending it on a single Pokémon card.

Vinath Oudomsine of Dublin, Georgia, fraudulently obtained Economic Injury Disaster Loans designated to bail out small businesses who experienced hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Oudomsine pulled off the scheme by claiming to be the sole owner of a company that earned $235,000 within a year and employed ten workers. He was approved for the loan, and on August 4th, 2020, he received $85,000 into his bank account.

At some time around January 8th, Oudomsine allegedly spent $57,789 of the funds on a limited-edition Pokémon card. Authorities didn’t elaborate on which card the man purchased, but exclusive Pokémon cards and memorabilia can be priced in the high thousands.

According to Kotaku, a gaming review publication, Oudomsine’s purchase would be the tenth most expensive Pokémon card purchase of all time.

Oudomsine faces up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines if convicted.