PITTSBURGH — Two Pittsburgh business owners are facing multiple felony charges following an investigation by Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday’s office into an alleged electronic benefit transfer (EBT) fraud scheme involving more than $178,000.
Authorities identified the suspects as Rachna Anwar, 46, and Munir Chaudhri, 62, who own neighboring businesses on East Ohio Street — Lillen’s Restaurant and a deli. According to investigators, the pair illegally purchased EBT cards at discounted rates from individuals receiving public assistance and then used those cards to buy food for their businesses.
The Attorney General’s office said Anwar and Chaudhri used the cards to make hundreds of purchases at Sam’s Club and other retailers. Court records allege the fraudulent activity began in 2021 and continued through October 2025.
Investigators were alerted to the scheme last year after suspected fraud was reported at a Sam’s Club on Mount Nebo Road. According to court documents, Anwar alone allegedly conducted 408 EBT transactions using 165 different benefit accounts. In total, the two are accused of making more than 800 transactions valued at $178,289.
The charges include corrupt organizations and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, among other felony counts.
Retired police chief and former Pennsylvania State Police trooper Terry Seilhamer said while such cases are not widespread, they have occurred before.
“Once the funds are taken, the person whose name is on the benefit account becomes the victim,” Seilhamer said.
Investigators reported that some benefit recipients told authorities they sold their cards to Anwar and Chaudhri for roughly half of the card’s balance. The suspects allegedly used up the funds and waited for the benefits to be replenished before repeating the process.
Court filings indicate that individuals struggling with substance abuse were among those who sold the cards. The purchased benefits were then used to obtain food supplies for the defendants’ businesses.
Prosecutors said recovering the stolen funds would require court-ordered restitution if the defendants are convicted.
KDKA-TV reached out to the businesses for comment but was told the owners were unavailable.
The Attorney General’s office said arrangements are underway for Anwar and Chaudhri to surrender to authorities and be arraigned.
