A Maryland tech executive has been indicted for allegedly defrauding the federal government through a scheme involving rigged IT contract bids, according to the State’s Attorney’s Office.
Victor Marquez, 53, who owns two IT companies, faces wire fraud charges. Prosecutors allege that he used his access to sensitive government procurement information to direct contracts to co-conspirators in exchange for kickbacks. During the scheme, Marquez is accused of receiving more than $3.8 million.
Two other IT sales representatives have already pleaded guilty in related cases. James Briar, 47, of Virginia, admitted in August to conspiracy to pay illegal kickbacks. Robert Fay, 59, of Maryland, pleaded guilty in October to conspiracy to pay illegal kickbacks and violating the Anti-Kickback Act.
Deputy Assistant Attorney General Omeed Assefi said the indictment demonstrates that Marquez and his co-conspirators “broke trust with our military and stole millions of dollars from an agency that defends our homeland.”
Court records indicate that Marquez’s co-conspirators referred to the kickback payments as the “Vic tax” and took steps to conceal his involvement to maintain his access to sensitive information.
Maryland Attorney Kelly Hayes noted, “This kind of corruption distorts the competitive process, wastes taxpayer dollars, and undermines public trust in government contracting.”
