BOSTON – Priya Bhambi, 40, of Brookline, a former senior-level employee in the technology operations group of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (Takeda), has pleaded guilty to orchestrating a scheme to defraud the company of at least $2.3 million. Bhambi admitted to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and three counts of wire fraud.
Between January and October 2022, Bhambi, along with an alleged co-conspirator who was not employed by Takeda, executed a scheme to defraud Takeda by submitting fabricated invoices for non-existent consulting services. The co-conspirator incorporated Evoluzione Consulting LLC (Evoluzione) in February 2022, with Bhambi creating a fake website and false documentation to make Evoluzione appear legitimate. They secured a master services agreement with Takeda and submitted five fraudulent invoices totaling $2.3 million.
The funds were used for personal expenses, including purchasing a Mercedes-Benz, a diamond engagement ring, making a down payment on a $1.875 million condominium in Boston’s Seaport neighborhood, and securing a wedding venue. The court has issued seizure warrants for the Mercedes, over $1 million from fraudulently obtained accounts, the wedding venue deposit, and placed a restraining order on the condominium for potential forfeiture.
The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss. Sentencing will be determined by federal guidelines.
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This case was announced by Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. Takeda assisted and cooperated with the investigation, which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Leslie A. Wright of the Criminal Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol E. Head, Chief of the Asset Recovery Unit.
The allegations remain subject to proof, and the remaining defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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