BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — Former Bismarck mayoral candidate Isaac Afoakwa is facing 12 federal charges after allegedly using his medical transportation business to fraudulently obtain over $1.6 million in pandemic-related loans and benefits.
According to court documents, Afoakwa—a self-employed pastor and owner of Bismarck Transportation Service (BTS)—fraudulently applied for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) under the CARES Act, using both legitimate and allegedly inactive businesses.
The affidavit details that Afoakwa:
Applied for loans using other individuals’ identities, some without their consent.
Opened new bank accounts tied to the fraudulent applications.
Submitted falsified tax and business documents.
Claimed to Blue Cross Blue Shield of ND that he provided non-emergency medical transport, although the appointments never occurred.
A grand jury has indicted Afoakwa on:
6 counts of wire fraud
1 count of aggravated identity theft
2 counts of assisting with fraudulent tax returns
3 counts of false statements related to a healthcare benefit program
He also faces a separate Medicare fraud charge exceeding $50,000 related to billing for nonexistent transportation services.
If convicted, Afoakwa could serve up to 30 years for wire fraud and an additional 20 years for Medicare fraud. Fines could exceed $1.5 million, and he may be required to forfeit assets linked to the fraud.
Afoakwa pleaded not guilty to all charges and is free on a $5,000 bond under strict conditions: he cannot leave North Dakota or offer transportation through BTS until further court proceedings.
His next hearing is June 25, with a federal trial scheduled for July 15 in Bismarck. Afoakwa previously ran for mayor in 2018, losing to Steve Bakken.
