Accused Of Diverting Contract Money Into Private Accounts

It is, sadly, an all-too familiar story in these disheartening times: a government contractor, awarded millions in federal money to develop new projects, instead uses those funds to better their own standard of living.

And here's another one. On Wednesday, federal authorities raided the offices of Samim Anghaie, a University of Florida professor and founder of the school's Innovative Nuclear Space Power and Propulsion Institute, on charges a company started by he and his wife defrauded NASA and other government agencies to the tune of some $3.4 million.

CNN reports Anghaie, a professor of radiological engineering, runs New Era Technology Inc. with his wife, Sousan. Since 1999, NETECH was awarded 13 contracts by the government... many connected to NASA, or the Department of Defense.

According to a federal affidavit filed last week, the Anghaies diverted those funds from the corporate bank account, and used them to buy homes and cars.

FBI spokesman Jeff Westcott confirmed the agency searched Professor Anghaie's office on the University of Florida campus, but referred additional questions to the US Attorney's office... which, so far, isn't saying much about the ordeal.

The business was definitely a family affair. CNN reports that Sousan Anghaie is listed as NETECH's president... while son Hamid is director and vice-president of the company. Another son, Ali, is also listed as an NETECH worker, in addition to his job with Pratt & Whitney.

The affidavit claims the Anghaie family overbilled the government for grants awarded under two federal programs, intended to spur technological innovation by small businesses. Authorities say the Anghaies "submitted multiple fraudulent certified contract proposals to NASA, in order to receive the maximum funding for proposed research contracts."

The family is also accused of submitting fraudulent invoices, seeking payments for "alleged employees." That money was then allegedly funneled into Samim Anghaie's private accounts, or to bank accounts in the names of his sons.

Professor Anghaie has been on paid administration leave from the school since the charges came to light.

FMI: www.fbi.gov, www.usdoj.gov, www.nasa.gov